Breast implants are designed to enhance your natural shape. Silicone or saline? The choice can often be one of the most difficult decisions you will have to make when getting breast implants.
Silicone implants aka “gummy bear” implants are made of a semi-solid cohesive gel. One advantage of gel implants is the anterior surface and the edges of the implants are not palpable which makes it harder to detect with touch. With that said, this seems to appeal to the majority of women who don’t have much breast tissue to begin with because you have a less chance of seeing or feeling rippling as they feel much more like natural breast. If there is a rupture, the silicone will not leak into your body like the old type of silicone and won’t harm the body. However, if the implant itself is damaged, it may still look and feel the same also known as a “silent rupture”. Unfortunately, this type of rupture can only be detected with an MRI which may or may not be covered by your health insurance.
Saline implants have many benefits. Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution that is not harmful to the body. If there is a rupture your body will naturally absorbs the solution during the deflation. Saline implants do not come prefilled like the silicone implants allowing for a smaller incision to be made. Another benefit to having saline implants is that you have a greater chance of improving asymmetry as you can adjust the sizing during the surgery. If cost is a priority, saline implants tend to be about $700 less in price.
Choosing an implant based of the advantages and disadvantages can be an overwhelming process. It is important that you choose an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Richard Lee to help guide you through your process. If you have any additional questions or would like to schedule a consultation please give our office a call at 949-548-9312.
