Silicone vs. Saline: How do These Implants Compare?

    PHOENIX, AZ, March 27, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- When you decide to have breast augmentation surgery, one of the first decisions you have to make is whether to have silicone or saline implants. There are several differences between the two types of implants, and each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Silicone Implants

Until fairly recently, silicone implants were the only real choice available for breast augmentation or reconstruction. Chosen for its viscosity and texture, similar to natural fatty tissue, silicone gives a more realistic feel and shape to the breasts. There also tends to be less occurrence of rippling with silicone implants.

There are also some disadvantages to silicone implants. Because they're pre-filled to a predetermined size, the surgeon must use a larger incision to place the implants. If a silicone implant should develop a leak or rupture, it's often harder for you to tell, since the silicone often retains much of its shape even when it leaks outside the shell of the implant.

Many surgeons will recommend regular MRIs for women with silicone implants. This is to increase the probability of early detection of breast cancer, as well as to detect ruptures or leaks. Insurance rarely covers these MRIs, adding a long-term expense to your augmentation.

Saline Implants

Saline implants are extremely popular, and, in fact, the majority of women today receive saline implants rather than silicone. Saline implants are filled after they're inserted, and so can be placed with a much smaller incision. Saline implants are also less expensive than silicone, and patient satisfaction is quite high.

In addition, some saline implants can be adjusted after they're placed. These adjustable implants have a fill tube attached, through which saline can be added or removed for up to six months after the initial surgery, until you're pleased with the size and shape of your breasts. After this, the tube is removed.

If a saline implant ruptures, it's usually easily detectable. The saline drains quickly out of the ruptured or leaking implant, giving a deflated look to the breast. Saline is easily absorbed into the system, and is considered safe and non-toxic, making saline ruptures or leaks less concerning than silicone leaks.

Some women feel that saline implants lack the "real" feel of silicone, comparing the shape and texture to a water balloon. Saline is also more prone to rippling, though the placement of the implant and its fullness can reduce this issue.

Dr. Paul Angelchik is a board certified plastic surgeon in Phoenix, Arizona, with experience performing breast augmentation surgery.

Source: Dr. Paul Angelchik
Website: http://doctorangelchik.com

# # #