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Should I Get Silicone or Saline Breast Implants?
The breast is an important feature of a woman’s body and an external expression of femininity. Often, when a woman has a small breast in relation to the rest of her body, or if she is not happy with her breasts’ shape, she might think of having a breast augmentation.
The decision to cross the threshold of the plastic surgeon’s office is only the first step in the breast implants journey for an enhanced, toned and beautiful breast. Deciding on the type of implant step two, yet equally important for breast augmentation candidates.
To help you decide, we have gathered here the key characteristics of silicone vs. saline breast implants.
Silicone Implants For Breast Augmentation
Feel: Silicone implants are soft to touch and lighter than saline implants, designed to feel more realistic, like the natural female breast.
Aesthetic Look: Silicone implants give breasts a natural look, as they are similar to natural breast tissue. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
How long they last/Durability: Silicone implants are very durable, yet, patients might need to replace them at some point in time.
FDA-Approved: Silicone implants are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Material Made Of: Silicone implants are made solely from silicone, a material that looks and feels similar to human fat. They consist of a silicone case filled with silicone gel.
Type of Incision: Silicone implants require inconspicuous skin incisions made either in the inframammary fold, or around the areola (periareolar) or in the underarm area. Learn more about the incision placement here.
Implant placement: The site where the plastic surgeon will insert the implants should suit the patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals. For patients with little breast tissue and thin skin, the sub-muscular implant placement – under the chest muscle – looks and feels natural as the patient’s natural tissue covers the implant. For women with thick skin and adequate tissue, the surgeon may choose to place the implant behind the breast tissue (sub-glandular), ensuring a fast and less painful recovery. Silicone implants are already filled when inserted into the patient’s body.
Implant Rupture Risk: It is not common for breast implants to rupture. But if they do, the fluid they contain seeps into the patient’s body and causes changes to the breast’s shape and size. It may also cause increased pain and extensive swelling in the breast area. The FDA suggests that people with silicone implants should receive MRI screening every three years to ensure there is no “silent rupture.”
Saline Implants For Breast Augmentation
Feel: Saline implants feel firmer to touch and heavier than silicone implants.
Aesthetic Look: Saline implants have a round and firm look, giving a look of fullness to the breasts.
How long they last/Durability: Saline implants are also quite durable. However, patients might need to replace them at some point in time.
FDA-Approved: Saline implants are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Material Made Of: Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and their outer shell is made of silicone.
Type of Incision: Saline implants require a small incision underneath the breast or in the underarm. They are inserted empty and filled with sterile salt water only once they’re in the right place.
Implant placement: Saline implants are placed into the chest area and filled after being set correctly into the breast area.
Implant Rupture Risk: In case of a rupture, the female body can safely absorb saline implants. The patient might need surgery to remove ruptured saline implants.
Aesthetic Look: Saline implants have a round and firm look, giving a look of fullness to the breasts.
How long they last/Durability: Saline implants are also quite durable. However, patients might need to replace them at some point in time.
FDA-Approved: Saline implants are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Material Made Of: Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and their outer shell is made of silicone.
Type of Incision: Saline implants require a small incision underneath the breast or in the underarm. They are inserted empty and filled with sterile salt water only once they’re in the right place.
Implant placement: Saline implants are placed into the chest area and filled after being set correctly into the breast area.
Implant Rupture Risk: In case of a rupture, the female body can safely absorb saline implants. The patient might need surgery to remove ruptured saline implants.
Make An Appointment With Breast Augmentation Plastic Surgeon Dr. Stavrou
Experience the confidence of being in expert hands that will make you look and feel more beautiful than ever. Book an appointment with the experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon in Nicosia, Limassol, Athens and Malta, Dr. Stavrou. He will answer all your questions and concerns about the types of breast implants, and ensure a safe and successful procedure.
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Demetris Stavrou
Dr Stavrou is a board-certified and highly experienced plastic surgeon in Cyprus, Greece and Malta, with a keen interest in informing patients about the latest updates on reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery.
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