Breast Implants: Silicone Vs. Saline

If you have made the decision to enhance your breast size, there are several factors to consider in choosing implant type, shape, and size. Take the time to learn the pros and cons when making a decision.

At Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery in Seattle, our breast surgery specialists are available to fully answer all of your questions and concerns. But when it comes to breast implants, a frequently asked question is “should I choose silicone or saline?”

Is one type of implant better? Both silicone and saline implants have an excellent safety record. Both types are available in more sizes than ever before. When the augmentation is performed by a highly-experienced plastic surgeon, either type of implant can create a very natural-looking breast enhancement. So, the answer to “silicone or saline?” really depends on your personal vision, and what you hope to achieve in final result.

Silicone Implants

Silicone breast implants consist of a silicone outer shell filled with a cohesive silicone gel. You can choose between a smooth shell or silicone implant with a textured shell, designed to become more firmly attached to the surrounding body tissue.

If you are considering silicone implants, the FDA recommends patients wait until they are at least 22 years of age. Modern silicone implants come with a warranty, typically for ten years, but in most cases will last far longer, with no need for replacement.

Benefits:

• Feel soft and natural
• Less risk of rippling or wrinkling
• Mimics the weight of natural breast tissue, lighter than saline
• A huge range of sizes and shapes, allowing for the perfect size, shape and projection for a beautiful enhancement
• Excellent safety record

Saline Implants

Saline breast implants are composed of silicone shells filled with sterile saline (salt water). Saline implants can be placed with a much smaller incision, as these implants are filled after insertion. Saline implants are slightly heavier and may pose a higher incidence of rippling. Overfilling the implant can be helpful in reducing the risk of rippling, but may lead to a tighter, firmer breast. The more tissue you have to cover the implant, the less likely rippling will occur.

Benefits:

• Approved for patients 18 years and older
• Saline implants can be filled and adjusted during surgery to achieve the perfect size
• Less expensive than silicone implants
• Your body can safely absorb saline should the contents of the implant leak due to rupture of the shell, a rare occurrence.

Which Implant Lasts Longer?

Silicone and saline implants are designed to last many years, and modern versions are exceptionally durable and safe, and can be left in place for many, many years without problems. Risk of rupture is very low. If your implants are fine, there is no need to replace them. Neither type of implant is proven to last longer than the other.

Silicone and Saline Implants: Similar Risks

• Scar tissue – the breast implant’s shape could become distorted if scar tissue places pressure on the implant
• Change in breast or nipple sensation – typically a temporary condition
• Leakage or rupture (rare)

The great thing about implants today is that you have options. Some women will choose saline due to the smaller incisions, while other choose silicone as they feel more natural. It is a matter of personal choice, along with a discussion with Dr. Sajan about the look you want for your breasts.

Choosing Dr. Sajan

At Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery in Seattle, our acclaimed, Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon, the perfect implant type, size, and shape to match what they hope to achieve. Experience matters. Dr. Sajan has developed his practice through years of extensive cosmetic surgery study. He treats patients from countries across the globe.

When selecting a surgery center for breast augmentation, it is important that you feel comfortable with your plastic surgeon and have complete confidence that your procedure will be performed with the most advanced surgical techniques and the most stringent safety protocols. Dr. Sajan and the entire staff at Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery are committed to providing you with the highest level of excellence in patient care, safety and results.

Dr. Sajan is an exceptionally talented, Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon, who uses the most advanced surgical techniques, focused around creating aesthetic results that meet the vision of the individual patient. The goal in breast augmentation is to achieve true beauty. Our meticulous attention to detail has led to our reputation for achieving beautiful results in breast augmentation surgery. Our primary goal is to provide you with the individualized care you deserve, and to ensure you have a comfortable and positive experience, and a happier, more confident life.