Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. It is chosen by women after pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations. Women also choose the procedure if they are unhappy with their natural breasts. Deciding between saline and silicone implants is one of the biggest decisions in the breast augmentation process. Both options are safe and effective, but they also differ in many ways. You may wonder, saline vs. silicone implants: what’s the difference? Below you will find helpful information to guide you through the decision.
Saline vs. Silicone Implants: What’s the Difference?
The primary difference between saline and silicone implants is what fills the implant shell. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel. The distinction affects the feel and size of the incisions. Your surgeon will help you determine which option is best for you. This is generally based on your personal anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals. This is discussed and decided at your consultation, so you are prepared on the day of your surgery.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are made up of a durable silicone outer shell. It is filled with sterile saline solution, which is essentially purified salt water. The shell is inserted into your body empty. Once it is inside the breast pocket, it is filled to the desired volume. This allows for a smaller incision compared to pre-filled implants.Â
Surgeons can also adjust the fill volume during surgery. This allows them to fine tune the symmetry of your breasts. This ability ultimately improves your final results. In the rare event of a rupture, this type of implant will not cause any known health risks. This is because the body safely absorbs the sterile saline solution. It is clear when the implant ruptures, as the breast visibly deflates.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are pre-filled with a thick, cohesive gel. They are destined to feel similar to natural breast tissue. Since they are pre-filled, the implants require a slightly longer incision than saline implants. This is a tradeoff between the different types of implant materials.
New generations of silicone implants are called gummy bear implants. They hold their shape very well, even in the event of a rupture. The quality of the material ensures that the implant is less likely to migrate in the breast pocket in the rare case that anything happens to the implant. Silicone implants are safe and FDA-approved for patients 22 years and older.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Implant Material
There are a few factors to consider when choosing your implant material. Your surgeon at the leading plastic surgery center will guide you through the process. Consider the following information if you are deciding between saline and silicone implants.
Feel and Natural Movement
Many patients choose silicone implants because they are soft and feel natural. They also move realistically. The cohesive gel closely mimics the density and feel of natural breast tissue. This is a major benefit for patients who have thin natural breast tissue. On the other hand, saline implants tend to feel firmer and more uniform throughout the breast. One of the benefits of saline implants is a defined, rounded upper contour. This is an aesthetic choice that depends on your unique aesthetic goals.
Incision Size and Placement Options
Saline implants allow for a smaller incision since they are filled after insertion. For patients concerned about scarring, this offers a less visible scar. Silicone implants require a longer incision. It is generally placed in the crease beneath the breast. However, it can also be placed around the edge of the areola or within the underarm area. The surgeon will assess your individual anatomy and consider your personal aesthetic goals. From there, they can determine the best incision location. Both implant options can be placed above or behind the chest muscle. This is also an aesthetic decision, depending on your unique goals.
Navigating the Breast Augmentation Process
Once you decide you are moving forward with the breast augmentation process, you can decide which material is best for you. The surgeon will help you navigate the process.
Existing Breast Tissue and Coverage
Patients with very little natural breast tissue benefit from the added coverage of silicone gel implants. Thin tissue coverage can make an implant more visible beneath the skin. Silicone gel holds its shape and blends seamlessly with limited natural tissue. Patients with more natural tissue have more flexibility when it comes to choosing the implant material.
Desired Shape and Firmness
Patients who want a firmer and more lifted appearance choose saline implants. It offers added structure, holding a rounder and more defined upper contour. Patients who want softer and more natural-looking breasts often lean toward silicone implants. Feel the implants made of each material during your consultation. This can help you get a good idea of what to expect from each.
Lifestyle and Activity Level
Your lifestyle, long-term goals, and activity level are necessary considerations. Athletic patients or those who have physically demanding lives may have different needs compared to those who live more sedentary lifestyles. This is when the assessment becomes more than just aesthetics, as active patients require optimal function based on their level of activity. Be sure to share this information with your surgeon at your consultation. It is a real consideration that needs to be included in the surgical plan.
Body Frame and Skin Quality
Your body frame, chest width, and skin elasticity play a role in determining which material is right for you. A narrower chest wall may limit implant width, regardless of the material. Patients with poor skin elasticity may respond differently, depending on the size of the implant. Your surgeon will consider these factors together to determine the size and implant material that is best for your unique anatomy.
Breast Augmentation Surgery at the Top Plastic Surgery Center
Breast changes occur for a variety of reasons. If you want to enhance the look of your breasts, contact the team at Leyngold Institute for Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation!Â