Breast augmentation surgery has developed significantly from its early days. Today, there are more options available than ever for finding the look and feel you want.
Having all these options available, however, can feel overwhelming at first. Which implants should you choose? Here is a guide:
Silicone vs. Saline: How Do They Differ?
The two most commonly-used types of implants are silicone breast implants and saline breast implants. Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel, which feels similar to natural breast tissue when the implant is inserted. The FDA has approved these implants for use in patients ages 22 and older.
Older silicone implants made headlines in decades past when they ruptured, causing silicone to leak into the body. Current implants are designed to prevent this problem or to trap any escaping silicone.
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. If the implant leaks, the saline is simply absorbed by the body, since it is not much different than the body’s own fluids. The uniform shape, firmness, and feel of saline implants makes them popular. The FDA has approved them for use in patients ages 18 and older.
Choosing the Right Implant for You
Since silicone and saline implants vary slightly in terms of feel and shape, the one you choose will depend in part on the size and overall “look” you wish to achieve. Your doctor can help you understand which effect each type of implant will have on your look.
Since saline implants are designed to deflate if they rupture, a ruptured implant may give you a significantly “lopsided” look until it is replaced.
Silicone implants can also rupture, but they will not deflate when they do. This is known as a “silent” rupture. Follow-up appointments for MRI imaging or other tests are generally required to make sure the silicone implant is seated correctly in the body and there are no problems. Naturally, if there is a problem with silicone implants, additional surgery may also be the best option to correct the problem – but such problems are unusual. Most people enjoy the benefits of breast implants for many years without complications.
For a free, private consultation about your breast augmentation surgery options in Cleveland, please call our team at The Cosmetic Surgery Center at (216) 264-8100.