Saline or Silicone: Which Should You Choose?
The type of implant used is one of the most important aspects of breast augmentation surgery. Since both saline and silicone implants offer their set of benefits, choosing the kind that is best for you is not always an easy decision. Although the surgeon’s recommendation is taken into consideration, the implant that is used ultimately depends on the patient’s preferences.
To help weigh the options so you can be sure to pick the implant that is best for you, we’ve provided some quality information about saline and silicone implants.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are FDA-approved and consist of an outer silicone shell that is filled with a sterile saltwater solution at the time of insertion. Specific factors for saline implants include:
Age Requirement: A patient must be at least 18 years of age to undergo breast augmentation with saline implants.
Size of Incisions: The incisions made in the breasts are smaller since the implants are not filled with a sterile saltwater solution until after they are inserted.
Weight: The difference in weight between saline and silicone implants is insignificant.
Cost: Saline implants cost less than silicone implants because they are less expensive to manufacture.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are FDA-approved and are made of an outer silicone shell pre-filled with safe silicone gel. Particular features of silicone implants include:
Age Requirement: Patients who choose to undergo a breast augmentation with silicone implants must be at least 22 years old.
The “Feel”: Since silicone implants contain a gel-like soft solid material instead of a liquid solution, silicone implants provide a more natural feel than saline implants.
Aftercare: Unlike saline implants, silicone implants do require some additional aftercare. Patients who undergo silicone implant surgery will want to have an MRI study performed 3 years after the initial surgery and then every other year to check for silent ruptures.
Lower Risk for Rippling: There is a decreased risk of silicone implants rippling because the silicone-gel tends to be more dense than the saltwater in saline implants.
At our Las Vegas practice, we understand that choosing the correct implant for your procedure can be overwhelming. During a consultation with Dr. George Alexander, every facet of your breast augmentation procedure will be considered to ensure that you achieve the best outcome possible. Call (702) 242-6776 or feel free to fill out our online contact form today. Dr. Alexander is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and looks forward to seeing you soon.
