Silicone Vs Saline Breast Implants - What You Should Know

There are several reasons why a woman might choose breast augmentation.

Breast augmentation is the enlargement or enhancement of the breast using surgery. Some women desire larger breasts and others want to improve the look of their breasts after childbirth and aging, both of which can cause the breasts to sag. Other women choose breast augmentation due to removal of part or all of a breast as a result of cancer. Congenital disorders affecting the breasts may also be a reason for choosing to get breast implants.

Regardless of why a woman wants to improve the look of her breasts; it is a very personal decision that requires a lot of thoughtful considerations. This means that it is important that a woman receives the correct information about breast augmentation and breast implants so that she can make an informed decision that is in the best interest of her long-term health.

Talk with a Surgeon

Prior to seeking breast implants it is a good idea to do some research on surgeons and choose one that is willing to explain the process without obligation. The surgeon should also have several years of experience performing breast surgery. Choosing an experienced surgeon means the implant candidate will be able ask questions and get answers based on how other implant recipients have responded to the surgery. This information can help her decide if this procedure is something she wishes to undergo.

Silicone vs Saline Implants

There are some differences between saline and silicone implants and prior to choosing one or the other, a woman needs to know what these differences are and what she can expect once the implants are placed in her body. Both types of implants are FDA approved; however, for women under age 22 the FDA will only allow saline implants and for women 22 and above either saline or silicone may be used.

Saline breast implants have an outer shell that is made from silicone, but are filled with saline or salt water. These have been used for about 15 years and are considered very safe. If the shell of a saline implant should rupture, the solution is absorbed by the body. Once a saline breast is implanted, the surgeon fills the implant with the saline solution which offers some flexibility in deciding how full the breasts will be. Saline implants also require a smaller incision than silicone implants.

Silicone breast implants have a silicon outer shell, but they are filled with silicone gel. These implants were approved for use by the FDA in 2006 after several years of study. They were used in earlier years, but their use was suspended by the FDA in 1991. Silicone implants are pre-filled prior to surgery, which limits the ability to adjust the fullness of the breast. A larger incision is required to place silicone implants. Like saline implants, silicone implants may leak and the leaks can go undetected for longer. Leaks might also cause infection. Many women choose silicone implants for breast augmentation because of the realistic appearance and feel that mimics the feel, look and texture of natural breast tissue.