Breast augmentation patients have so many different options when selecting their breast implants. The question almost every breast augmentation patient is asking today, however, is “Which is better? Silicone or saline breast implants ?” The answer to this question is simple: It depends.
Since the FDA re-approved silicone breast implants, many plastic surgeons are offering their breast augmentation patients the choice of having either silicone or saline breast implants. The bottom line with these breast implant options is that they both provide excellent results, and it’s up to the patient’s preference, which will be used during their breast augmentation.
Differences
The biggest difference between saline and silicone breast implants is what the two are filled with. Saline breast implants are filled with a sterile saline liquid, making them completely safe if the implant were to rupture because the body will simply absorb the solution safely.
Silicone breast implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel, making them more unlikely to have rippling or other filler-related problems. Unfortunately, if the implant were to rupture, it can be difficult to detect the rupture without an MRI.
Advantages
There are advantages to both saline and silicone breast implants. Silicone breast implant advantages include a more lifelike result after the breast augmentation. In addition to this, silicone breast implants are pre-filled with silicone gel, which means there is less chance of unwanted side effects when the breast augmentation is completed.
Saline breast implants on the other hand are filled with the saline solution after the implant is in place. This means that there is some flexibility as to how much solution is injected into the implant. Also, some implant techniques, such as TUBA, can only be performed with saline breast implants.
Finally, regardless of what the breast implant is filled, there are other options breast augmentation patients need to consider, including:
- Breast augmentation incision placement
- Breast implant placement
- Breast implant shape
- Breast implant texture
Dr. Placik will review all your breast augmentation options with you and help you reach a decision you are completely happy with.
