Everything You Need To Know About Saline Implants

Your Saline Implant Questions Answered

What Are Saline Implants Made From?
Saline implants get their name from the sterile salt water they are filled with. The water solution is held within a silicone outer shell that provides durability while containing the liquid that helps the breast implants look and feel similar to your natural breast. The silicone outer shell has a high level of retention of flexibility so that your breast implants can move naturally and remain durable.

Are Saline Implants Safe?
Yes, saline implants are approved by Health Canada and they are a safe option for breast augmentation. The sterile liquid that fills the saline implants can be safely absorbed by the body if there is an implant rupture. If for any reason your saline implant does rupture, you will notice a change in your breast size fairly quickly.

It is important to note that although saline implants are fairly safe, the implantation procedure does come with risks similar to any other surgical procedure. As with any surgery, there is always a risk of infection at the site of the incision and there is a chance that scar tissue could form. It is also possible to feel breast pain or a change of breast/nipple sensation after augmentation but these are often temporary. Your plastic surgeon will discuss all of the risks associated with surgery during a consultation.

Can I Change The Size Of My Saline Implants?
Yes, you can. Saline implants are filled after the outer shell is inserted into the breast, which makes it simple for a plastic surgeon to alter the size of the saline implants even after the initial surgery. The plastic surgeon will only need to make a small incision in your breasts or armpit (depending on where the original incision site is) to either add or release liquid to change the size.

Can I Breastfeed With Saline Implants
This will depend on the placement of the implants, the size, and where your saline implants were inserted, but it is very common for women to be able to breastfeed with either silicone or saline implants. If you are considering becoming pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your plastic surgeon. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can both alter the size and shape of your breasts and you may choose to wait until after these are complete to receive breast surgery.

Are you deciding between silicone and saline implants? Read Saline Vs. Silicone Breast Implants and speak with your plastic surgeon to help you decide.
 

Silicone Implants At Peterson MD

If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, speak with a professional plastic surgeon with extensive experience. Both silicone and saline implants are safe and aesthetically pleasing options, and the one you decide to go with will be based on personal preference and the recommendation of your plastic surgeon. Dr. Peterson has been performing plastic surgery for over 20 years and can help you decide which type of breast implants will meet your needs. If you are ready to discuss your plastic surgery options with Kelowna’s choice plastic surgeon, contact Peterson MD at 1-250-868-9099 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation.
 

FAQ

Q: How soon can I return to work after breast augmentation?
A: Although your breast augmentation surgery is a short outpatient procedure, it is still important to have a few days of rest after being released from the surgical centre. Most people find they are able to resume work around 7-10 days later and can begin light physical activity at approximately two weeks post-op. If your job involves physical activity, such as lifting or exercise, you may have to wait longer to return to full duties. Let your doctor know your job includes physical activity and ask for their guidance on when to return.

Q: How can I sleep comfortably after breast surgery?
A: Directly after surgery sleep only on your back for the first little while to limit swelling, putting pressure on the new implants, and to avoid pulling on your stitches. Using a good number of pillows to support your back and sides will help ensure that you do not roll over. Some people use 1-2 full-length body pillows, or pregnancy pillows, placed on either side of their body while sleeping.

Q: Is breast augmentation surgery the only type of breast enhancement available?
A: No, there are several types of breast enhancements available. Breast augmentation will increase your breast size and volume with the surgical placement of either silicone or saline implants, whereas a breast lift will alter the shape and position of the breast for a perky, symmetrical look without implants. Fat transfers are also available and this procedure moves fat from one area of the body to the breasts to create a fuller, larger appearance. Learn more by reading Types of Breast Enhancement Surgery: Know Your Options.