Saline Vs. Silicone- Which One Should You Choose?
There is no right answer when it comes to choosing between silicone or saline breast implants. The decision will be based on your personal preferences and what your surgeon suggests. Both types of implants have benefits and drawbacks.
Feel And Look
Rippling can be a problem more common among saline breast implants, especially if the woman has very minimal natural breast tissue. Silicone implants offer a more natural-looking appearance and feel more like natural breasts which is preferred by most women. Many women claim that silicone implants feel lighter, making them more comfortable. Women have the choice to decide between a tear-drop shaped implant that offers a natural appearance, or a round implant that offers a more lifted appearance allowing for more cleavage. Both shapes are available in saline and silicone implants.
Risk Of Ruptures
Ruptures are very rare in either case and even the vigorous handling of a mammogram cannot rupture an implant. If you choose a saline implant and the rare occurrence of a rupture occurs, the saline will be safely absorbed into your body. If a silicone implant ruptures, it might go unnoticed because the silicone tends to remain trapped in the remaining tissue. This can cause the surrounding tissue to become irritated and swollen with the risk of additional scar tissue forming. In both cases, you will be required to undergo surgery to remove the ruptured implant.
Ability To Adjust Size
Saline breast implants are empty when inserted. Once the implant is placed in the optimal position, your surgeon will begin filling the implant up to your desired size. However, if down the road you wish that your implants were bigger or smaller, you have the ability to adjust them. Your surgeon can go back in and either remove or add more saline to the breast implant. Unfortunately, silicone implants do not have this option and come in predetermined sizes.
Scars From Surgery
Although silicone breast implants weigh less than saline implants, they require a larger incision. Saline breast implants are inserted without the saline contents inside and therefore do not require as large of an incision to position them correctly. Silicone implants are pre-filled and require a larger incision to place them in position initially. Although this may result in a larger scar, the placement of the incision will make it very difficult to see.
Okanagan Breast Implant Surgery
Over the years, new techniques and devices have been developed to deliver breast enlargement results that look and feel very natural. Choosing between saline or silicone implants, and determining what size and shape would suit you can be an overwhelming decision to make. Doing your homework and speaking with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help you make the best decision and get you results that leave you feeling confident and happy for many years to come.
If you are considering breast augmentation to increase your size and restore shape and firmness to your breasts, Dr. Brian Peterson is one of Kelowna’s Top Plastic Surgeons, providing fly-in and fly-out surgeries for people all over the world. Dr. Peterson performs a variety of breast enhancement surgeries including breast lift and breast reduction as well. Reach out to his team to book in for a complimentary consultation by calling 1 (888) 505-8895 for toll-free, 1 (250) 868-9099 if you are in the Okanagan, or by sending us your information in the contact form below.
FAQs
Q: How long is the recovery time from breast augmentation surgery?
A: Every woman is different and recovery time can vary. It can take up to 6 weeks to be fully recovered from the procedure and be able to resume regular activity.
Q: Will my surgeon give me insight into which implants I should choose?
A: Yes, your plastic surgeon will be there to guide you through your breast augmentation journey and will educate you about all of your options, weighing the pros and cons of saline and silicone implants to help you make the best decision for yourself.
Q: How long is a breast augmentation procedure?
A: Breast augmentation is usually an outpatient procedure that can take one to two hours.
