Breast Augmentation: Choosing Saline or Silicone

There are as many reasons to get a breast augmentation as there are women who undergo the procedure. Whatever the motivation, women have two main types of implants to choose from. Saline and silicone are the primary materials that are implanted during a breast augmentation, though in some cases, fat can be transplanted from another area of the body to achieve the desired result.

It’s important to note that every person is different and results can vary depending on countless factors. So, before you commit yourself to one or the other, you’ll want to have a long conversation with your doctor about which choice will work best for you.

Before we dive into the differences between these two products we should cover briefly the procedure itself. Breast augmentation is a surgery with the purpose of increasing the breast size of the patient. Some to achieve better symmetry, and others to repair or replace breast tissue after a mastectomy or other injury. The procedure is done under general anesthesia and an implant is placed underneath the chest muscle. There are many different ways to insert a breast implant, so you’ll want to confer directly with your doctor to determine the best solution for you.

Saline Implants
Saline is a popular implant substance that is filled with sterile saltwater. The implants are inserted empty and then filled once they are in place. But, while the implant is filled with saline, the shell itself is made of silicone. One significant benefit to saline is that, in some cases, the amount of water in the implant can be adjusted over time to suit the patient’s needs and achieve the desired effect.

Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are a silicone shell filled with more silicone which mimics the feel of human fat tissue. Some people believe this gives the implant a more realistic look and feel. Unlike saline implants that are available to patients beginning at the age of 18, silicone implants cannot be implanted until the age of 22.

There are a couple of things you should know before committing to breast augmentation. First, neither type of implant is designed to keep your breasts from sagging. If sagging is your concern you’ll want to talk with your doctor about a breast lift in place of or in addition to an augmentation. Also, breast implants are not meant to last forever. Some last up to 10 years, but depending upon your age you should be prepared to address them again in the future.

The choice to invest in breast augmentation is a personal one, and your doctor can help you choose the procedure and product that are right for you. If you’d like to learn more about our practice, or the procedure you’re considering, contact us today.