Breast Implants Rated
Breast Implants: Silicone Vs. Saline
Many women decide that breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgical procedure that seems right for them. The reasons for this are varied: Those who are self-conscious about the size and shape of their breasts; those whose breasts are underdeveloped; mothers who want the breasts they had pre-pregnancy; women who want the breasts they had when they were younger.
However, once they’ve made this choice, the next decision they must decide on with the help of their cosmetic surgeon is whether they should get silicone or Saline Breast Implants. While breast implants come in different shapes and sizes, it’s important for prospective patients to understand that they aren’t made with the same type of material. Silicone is gel, and saline is basically saltwater.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline implants come from the manufacturer unfilled. They are filled during the breast augmentation procedure, which gives flexibility during the surgery. There are certain incision types that can only be done if saline breast implants are the choice. You can discuss the type of incision with your cosmetic surgeon during your consultation. The advantages of saline breast implants are:
· Surgical flexibility
· Adjustable fill levels
· Ruptures are noticed quickly due to the saline’s absorption into the body
· Slightly safer
Critics of saline breast implants claim that they do not look as realistic or are as soft as Silicone Implants.
Though you may be aware of the controversy surrounding the safety of silicone implants, the Food and Drug Administration has determined that these fears have little basis in scientific fact and is mostly based on fear. After a short hiatus, silicone breast implants were reintroduced for use in November 2006. Incision types differ from those done for saline breast implant. They are considered superior to saline implants, aesthetically speaking. Some other advantages are:
· Feel more like natural breast tissue than saline
· Pre-filled at the manufacturers, so there are no fill-related defects
· Unlikely to show rippling
Some of the disadvantages associated with silicone implants are that due to silicone’s slow absorption rate, any rupture will probably not be noticed right away. It is recommended that women with silicone implants have regular MRIs to determine if the implant has ruptured.
While ruptures can occur with both types of breast implant, another risk is scarring, which can lead to tightening of the tissue (capsular contracture).
When deciding on breast implants, you need to have realistic expectations of how you will look afterward. Considering the benefits and drawbacks of each can lead to satisfaction of your implants and your overall appearance.
About the Author
If you are considering breast implants and are in the New Haven, Connecticut or Providence, Rhode Island area, please contact Dr. Leon Goldstein at Coastal Plastic Surgery.
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