Published Aug 31, 2023
8 minute read
When considering breast augmentation, you must decide between saline or silicone implants. Silicone implants usually feel more natural; saline offers adjustability and smaller incisions. In the U.S., silicone augmentation is FDA-approved for ages 22+, saline for 18+. Your lifestyle, anatomy, and goals determine the best fit.
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery that has grown in popularity over recent years. The procedure enhances the breasts’ size, shape, and overall appearance. With breast augmentation, two types of implants offer unique benefits and advantages. Knowing and understanding what each option provides is beneficial in deciding which implant is the best fit for you.
However, this choice is not simple at all; it depends on your personal preferences, body shape, and guidance from a qualified plastic surgeon. But there are some key distinctions between the two implant types that eventually can help you make the right decision.
The two most common types of implants people choose for breast augmentation are.
Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution and feel slightly firmer than natural breast tissue. They also require a smaller incision site. Since the implant is usually first placed in the breast and then filled.
Saline implants are less dense and don’t last as long as silicone gel implants. They are generally firmer than silicone implants and might not feel as natural. Especially in women with less natural breast tissue.
The amount of saltwater solution in breast implants is set during the surgery. Thus, it can help to correct asymmetry.
If a saline implant ruptures, the saline is absorbed and expelled by the body naturally. Moreover, the rupture is immediately noticeable as the breast will visibly deflate.
Saline implants usually cost less compared to silicone implants.
Saline implants are available for women 18 years of age and older for breast augmentation.
Ten to twelve years is a reasonable expectation of their lifespan. You would then need to have another procedure to replace the implants.
Silicone Implants are entirely made of silicone and filled with silicone gel. The silicone gel looks and feels like a gummy, and that is why silicone implants have the nickname of “gummy bears”.
The feeling of silicone implants tends to be compared to the feeling of natural breast tissue. Many people say that they feel the most natural out of the two implant options. Especially beneficial for women with less breast tissue.
Although silicone implants are more durable and a lot harder to break. When a silicone breast implant breaks, the gel material inside may stay contained within the outer shell, or it could leak out into the pocket surrounding the implant. Therefore, it is harder to detect (referred to as a “silent rupture”). Then the surgeon recommended Periodic MRI scans to detect ruptures.
Silicone implants are usually more expensive than saline implants.
Silicone implants are available for women 22 years of age and older for breast augmentation.
Twenty to 30 years is a reasonable expectation of their lifespan. The silicone gummy bear implants, in particular made of a cohesive gel. So, if they were to break, the silicone would not leak into your body but would be contained within the breast capsule.
Saline implants typically require a smaller incision since they fill after being inserted.
Saline implants might show more rippling, especially in thin women with little breast tissue.
Both implant types are considered safe, but each carries its own risks and potential complications. Such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, and the need for future surgeries.
Firstly, consider how important the feel and appearance of the implants are to you.
Secondly, think about your lifestyle, including physical activities. All those factors that might influence the type of implant you choose.
Most importantly, consult with a licensed, board-certified plastic surgeon. To get personalized advice based on your body type. As well as aesthetic goals, desired appearance, and current health condition.
The decision regarding the right implants relies on various aspects, like your personal preferences. The natural breast tissue and your willingness to accept the potential risks associated with each type. Consulting a plastic surgeon can assist in determining the suitable choice.
Breast implants come in two main types. The first type uses salt water that has been sterilized to fill the implant shell. The second type contains a special gel made of silicone to give it shape and feel. Both are good choices for breast surgery. Surgeons have tested them well, and health authorities say they’re safe to use. You can feel confident picking either type since they’ve been used successfully in many operations.
Silicone breast implants look more natural than saline ones. This is most noticeable in people who have thin skin or not much breast tissue. The saline implants can create visible waves or ripples under the skin, which many patients want to avoid.
Surgeons consider both safe for breast augmentation, but it ultimately depends on the individual’s preferences and needs.
Silicone implants are often said to feel more natural and similar to breast tissue compared to saline implants.
While silicone implants are less likely to rupture than saline implants, they can still rupture in some cases.
Both implants have a lifespan of approximately 10-15 years on average.
While silicone implants have been deemed safe by the FDA. There have been rare cases of silicone implant-related health issues, such as capsular contracture or implant rupture.
Saline implants are typically more affordable than silicone implants. Making them a popular choice for individuals on a budget.
Both implants require regular check-ups and monitoring to ensure they are functioning properly and do not show signs of rupture or other issues.
Yes, it is possible to switch from saline to silicone implants or vice versa through a revision surgery performed by a qualified plastic surgeon.
Silicone implants tend to be more popular than saline implants due to their natural look and feel.
Individuals with implants should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for a certain period of time, as advised by their surgeon.
Breastfeeding with both implants is possible, but it is important to discuss this with a surgeon beforehand, as there may be potential complications.
While silicone implants have a slightly higher risk of complications such as capsular contracture, both saline and silicone implants carry similar risks overall.
It is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, preferences, and medical history to determine which type of implant is best for you.
Silicone implants usually mimic the natural breast tissue feel, while surgeons adjust saline implants intraoperatively and allow lower-cost stocking options. Choice depends on tissue, desired feel, incision preference, and age approvals. Artisan Aesthetics Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in Tampa, Florida, ensures your breast augmentation surgery goes smoothly. The team here prides itself on giving each customer a personalized experience that treats them like family.
Led by Dr. Stan Castor, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 23 years of private practice experience, Artisan Aesthetics Plastic Surgery & Laser Center is where artistry and skill meet. Dr. Castor prides himself on giving his patients life-changing results and providing them with a caring and supportive environment. By consulting Dr. Stan Castor, you can get an expert’s opinion on the situation and have the information needed to make a choice that best fits your needs. He and his licensed team examine the factors when choosing implants. For example, your current bust measurements and body proportions, as well as your desired size and appearance.
If you want to work with Dr. Stan Castor, call us at (813) 971-2000 or fill out our contact form here to schedule a consultation. We look forward to attending to your concerns. Also, view the breast procedures before and after gallery to get a glimpse of the final results.
