Plastic Surgery Center & Michael S. Hopkins, MD

Silicone vs. Saline

Both saline and silicone breast implants are considered safe for breast augmentation and breast reconstruction and they each have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. However, these two options for breast augmentation should not be thought of as interchangeable.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants are pre-filled with silicone gel – a thick fluid that is very similar to the feel of human fat. Silicone implants are available to women age 22 and older for both breast augmentation and reconstruction surgery. Silicone gel implants have a lower rate of rippling and wrinkling and a lower risk of downward displacement due to gravity.

One of the main concerns expressed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over silicone gel implants is a problem commonly referred to as “silent rupture.” Sometimes, no obvious symptoms exist when a silicone gel implant ruptures. There is no evidence that leaking silicone gel is harmful to your body, but you’ll need surgery to remove the ruptured implant. Additionally, the size of standard prefilled silicone implants cannot be changed.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are filled with saline, typically at the time of the breast augmentation surgery. Thanks to this methodology, saline imparts are inserted using a smaller incision than silicone implants. These implants are available to women age 18 and older and are less expensive than silicone implants.
If a saline breast implant ruptures, the implant deflates and the body absorbs the saline (salt solution) without harm. The obvious size difference is apparent and surgery is required to remove the ruptured breast implant. The main disadvantage of saline breast implants is their water balloon-like feel. Additionally, saline implants will also be more likely to show rippling or wrinkling.

If you are considering breast augmentation or reconstruction surgery, please contact Michael S. Hopkins, M.D. and his skilled surgical team at Plastic Surgery Center, P.C. to schedule an appointment where you can learn more about your breast implant options.

posted by allisonb at 2:15 PM

Hopkins Plastic Surgery

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Silicone vs. Saline

Saline Breast Implants

Previous Posts