A potential patient of breast surgery has different implants options. However, the question that all patients ask as they are researching breast augmentation surgery is “Which implant is better? Silicone breast implants or saline?” The answer is very simple: it depends on the case. Reviewing all breast enlargement surgery options when getting your breast implants is essential, this will help you decide and feel completely satisfied with the results.
Even if you think that selecting the type of implant corresponds what the surgeon suggest, it’s necessary for you to be informed.
Cost
While silicone implants may be around $2,000 or above, saline breast implants are in the range of $1,500 or lower.
Pros:
The use of saline or silicone implants can vary the final result of your operation. Learn about the benefits of both types of the implant so you can choose which one is best for you:
Cons:
Silicone and saline breast implants also present similar risks, such as:
Also, consider:
Even if you think that selecting the type of implant corresponds what the surgeon suggest, it’s necessary for you to be informed.
Cost
While silicone implants may be around $2,000 or above, saline breast implants are in the range of $1,500 or lower.
Pros:
The use of saline or silicone implants can vary the final result of your operation. Learn about the benefits of both types of the implant so you can choose which one is best for you:
- Silicone breast implants are pre-filled with silicone gel, which means there is a lower risk of unwanted side effects after the breast augmentation surgery is performed.
- Both saline and silicone breast implants have an outer silicone structure. However, they differ in material and consistency.
- The saline implants are placed empty and then filled with saline salt water once they are inserted into the breast.
- If there’s a sudden leakage or breakage in the saline implant, the human body will quickly absorb the liquid, which is basically salt water.
- Also, in the case of the saline implant, the rupture will be evident almost immediately because the implant rapidly deflates.
- Another significant advantage of silicone breast implants over saline implants is their cost differences.
- In the case of silicone implants, they are already filled with silicone gel, a thick, sticky liquid that, closely resembles human fat to the touch.
- Most women believe that silicone breast implants are more like natural breast tissue regarding how they look and how they feel giving more realistic results.
- Silicone breast implants are recommended for women over 22 years of age, and to women of any age who need breast reconstruction.
Cons:
Silicone and saline breast implants also present similar risks, such as:
- Formation of scar tissue that distorts the breast shape also known as capsular contracture.
- Breasts excessive sensitivity or pain.
- Risk of Infection during or after surgery.
- Unexpected changes in nipples sensitivity.
- Implant Leak or rupture.
- Correcting any of these complications may require additional surgery, either to remove or replace the silicone or saline implants.
- If a saline solution breast implant breaks, the implant will deflate, causing the affected breast to change in size and shape.
- The body will absorb the saline solution leaked without provoking health risks, but it’s likely that you will need surgery to remove the remaining silicone structure. During this procedure you could, at your request, place a new implant immediately.
- If a silicone breast implant breaks, it’s possible you won’t notice it immediately, or even years after. Silicone and saline implants get trapped in fibrous tissue usually called capsule. This capsule created by our organism to protect itself from this strange element forms a barrier between you and the implant’s exterior that will help to contain any leakage.
- Silicone gel leaking is not considered to cause systemic or long-term health problems, such as breast cancer, reproductive problems or connective tissue diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. Even so, a ruptured silicone breast implant could, in the long run, cause breast pain or changes in the breast contour or shape.
- If an MRI detects a rupture of the implant but you don’t present any signs or symptoms, it will be up to you and your doctor to evaluate the risks and benefits of leaving the implant in place or removing it.
Also, consider:
- Breast implants won’t prevent breasts sagging. To correct this, you may have to undergo another cosmetic breast surgery in addition to augmentation.
- Breast implants aren’t guaranteed to last a lifetime. It is possible the implants to break eventually. Up to 20% of women with breast implants must remove them between eight to ten years after the procedure.
- Besides, your breasts will continue to change after the augmentation, and some factors, such as losing or gaining weight, can change your bosom appearance. Any of these factors may require another surgery to reposition your implants.
- Mammograms can get more complicated when having implants. If you have breast implants, you will also need to spend on other specialized tests in addition to mammograms.
- Insurance may not cover breast augmentations or their consequences. Unless medically necessary, such as reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy, your health insurance may not cover.
how to pick?
Depending on the patient’s anatomy, the body type, and expectations, the surgeon may recommend one type of implant over another to achieve optimal aesthetic results. However, ultimately, the choice between saline and silicone is yours.
The most significant difference between a saline solution and silicone breast implants is the substance they are made from. As we previously said, the saline implants are filled with a sterile saline fluid, which makes it completely safe if the implant leaks, because the body will absorb the solution.
Silicone breast implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel. Unfortunately, if the implant leaks, it may be difficult to detect it, unless an MRI is performed. In addition to aesthetic criteria, it’s important to consider these factors to evaluate the type of implant you may need:
The most significant difference between a saline solution and silicone breast implants is the substance they are made from. As we previously said, the saline implants are filled with a sterile saline fluid, which makes it completely safe if the implant leaks, because the body will absorb the solution.
Silicone breast implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel. Unfortunately, if the implant leaks, it may be difficult to detect it, unless an MRI is performed. In addition to aesthetic criteria, it’s important to consider these factors to evaluate the type of implant you may need:
- The incision location you'll have under the doctor's recommendation.
- The breast implants placement.
- Their final shape and patient’s preferences.
- Your texture expectations.