Breast augmentation and breast implants is a highly personal procedure that can have a massive impact on your self-esteem. I am proud to provide a highly personal consultative approach to breast augmentation to ensure patients are thrilled with results, with restored self confidence in their appearance.
Every woman is unique, with different body types and preferences. That’s why I take the time to truly understand her patients and identify their priorities to determine the best course of action moving forward with breast implants.
One of the most important decisions patients will make about breast implants is in regards to the material used for implants. Regardless of the material used, I always strives to provide patients with results that look and feel natural, regardless of the material used.
To help patients make the most informed decision for their breast implants, here are some common questions patients ask about saline and silicone implants, as well as insights from me to aid in this important decision:
1. What is the difference between saline and silicone breast implants?
Saline implants contain saline solution, which you may use in a variety of other circumstances as it is commonly used in over-the-counter medication for a variety of remedies. Saline is literally a simple solution of salt water.
Because they are filled with water, saline implants can deflate over time (typically after about 10 years). As a result, they eventually, always need to be replaced. They also tend to show ripples much more commonly than silicone implants.
Silicone implants are softer, feel more natural, tend to ripple less than saline implants and are now made to last a woman’s lifetime. As a result, they may never need to get replaced. Silicone implants often contain silicone gel, and now are also available as cohesive silicone. These cohesive silicone implants are also known as gummy implants.
2. Is there any difference in price between saline and silicone implants?
Saline implants are the most affordable type of breast implants. Silicone implants are less prone to rippling than silicone gel implants but, as a result of their more sophisticated materials (and the results they deliver), they are more expensive. This is particularly true for the cohesive silicone, or “gummy” implants mentioned above.
3. Will my breasts look better with silicone or saline implants?
Whether you choose saline or silicone breast implants, the results look similar; however, your breasts can feel different depending on the material used. Generally, silicone implants tend to feel softer and more natural.
Most women can achieve the same great look with any type of breast implant. Typically, only women who are very thin and/or have very little breast tissue are more susceptible to having noticeable rippling. Another example of this may occur in some women who have no remaining breast tissue after a mastectomy. In these instances, patients are better suited for cohesive silicone breast implants, as they tend to ripple the least.
4. Are silicone breast implants safe?
Many people don’t realize that both saline and silicone breast implants have an outer silicone shell. It is possible, but very rare, for silicone implants to leak or rupture. In those instances, any leakage is contained in the surrounding scar tissue that forms a capsule around the implant, and does not travel to other parts of the body.
Several years ago, there was a plethora of news stories surrounding concerns about silicone breast implants. Extensive, subsequent studies have found that silicone implants are in fact, safe and do not cause autoimmune disorders as once was speculated.
With any type of breast implant, there is a small risk of developing a rare reaction called “capsular contracture.” When this occurs, a woman’s body reacts to the implants by forming abnormally thick scar tissue around the implant. This can cause anything from a mild change in the breast shape to severe deformity, along with pain.
If mild, capsular contracture is treated with medications and massage. If severe, this is treated by removing and/or exchanging the implants. This is rare, but is a risk. All women considering breast implants should be aware of this risk and consider it carefully.
5. Will saline or silicone breast implants impact how long it takes me to heal?
Healing time is not affected by the type of breast implants.
It’s important to consider that breast augmentation surgery is a serious surgery. When considering saline or silicone implants, ask yourself the following questions:
“Am I okay with having silicone implants in my body?”
“Do I want implants that need to be replaced every 10 years or so, (like with saline implants) or do I prefer silicone implants that may not ever need to get replaced?”
“Do I prefer a softer, more natural-feeling implant, although it may be more expensive?”
The right doctor will help you carefully consider your options for breast implants.
The entire Eterna Cosmetic Surgery team are committed to your health and happiness. Call us today at 210.446.4477 or contact through our website to schedule your breast implant consultation and learn more about how breast augmentation can help you reach your goals.
