Breast Implants: Saline vs Silicone
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the world, providing the opportunity to significantly enhance your appearance, confidence, and overall self-esteem. If you’ve been thinking about getting breast implant surgery, it’s likely that you have a general idea of the size and shape you want – but have you considered what type of breast implant is best for you?
One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when planning for breast augmentation is whether you’ll choose saline or silicone implants. While all implants are constructed using a silicone shell, it’s what’s inside the implant that makes it unique. Breaking down the similarities and differences between silicone and saline breast implants can be extremely helpful in making the choice that fits your desired outcome.
Saline Implants
Saline implants typically start out as an empty silicone shell, which is filled to the patient’s desired size either before or after insertion. The implant is filled with saline, otherwise known as sterile salt water. Saline is most commonly used in IV bags to hydrate patients and replenish lost fluids.
Many surgeons recommend saline implants for patients who:
- Have a considerable amount of natural breast tissue already
- Are 22 years of age or younger
- Don’t want to undergo regular MRIs for implant monitoring (a necessary routine for silicone implants)
- Want the most affordable implant option
Although all high-quality implants are specifically designed to withstand wear and tear within the body, there is always a small risk of leak or rupture. However, because a saline implant is filled with a solution that’s both sterile and composed of natural elements, a possible leak or rupture doesn’t necessarily pose the same risks as other implant types.
Silicone Implants
Like saline implants, silicone implants are also made with an outer silicone shell. However, the interior filling is made by creating a slightly different formulation of the silicone shell, which has a thicker consistency than saline.
Many surgeons recommend silicone implants for patients who:
- Want a very natural look and feel
- Have minimal natural breast tissue
- Want the ability to more precisely tailor breast profile and shape
- Lighter weighted implants
If you do opt for silicone implants, it’s important that you adhere to regular implant monitoring. Because silicone leaks and ruptures are more difficult for the patient to detect, you’ll need to commit to annual MRIs to ensure that your implants are in good condition.
Saline vs. Silicone: Which Breast Implants are Right for You?
If you’re considering breast implant surgery, you should know that there isn’t necessarily one type of implant that’s better than the other. Choosing your ideal implant type is a highly personal decision, one that your surgeon can help you make.
When you schedule a breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Michael Streitmann, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your personal preferences, aesthetic goals, and more. Dr. Streitmann will be able to answer your questions about saline vs. silicone breast implants and make his recommendation for the type that best suits you.
Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Michael J. Streitmann Today
Breast augmentation surgery can be a wonderful way to boost your confidence and achieve the figure of your dreams. Dr. Michael Streitmann is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, with extensive experience with breast implant surgery. He works closely with each patient to develop a breast augmentation plan that’s perfectly tailored to their expectations and goals, ensuring that you will be incredibly happy with your final results.
Learn more about how breast augmentation surgery can change your life for the better by contacting us or scheduling your one-on-one consultation today.