Breast Implants
Enhance Your Figure
If you have decided to get breast implants to enhance your existing breasts, the next step is to decide what type of implants would be best for you. There are two kinds offered – saline and silicone breast implants. There are many differences between these two and understanding each type, including the look and feel, will help you make a decision. Additionally, each surgical procedure is different from the implants, which may aid your decision as well. For our patients at Partington Plastic Surgery, we offer Mentor and Sientra implants.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants are inserted as an empty silicone outer shell and then filled with sterile salt water based on your desired size. Since this is inserted empty, the incision size is much smaller than silicone implants and offers more choices to the patient, regarding volume and size. This allows our professional surgeons to correct asymmetric breasts easily. Saline implants are generally recommended for women who have ample breast tissue since rippling and firmness are less noticeable. In case of a rupture, saline implants immediately deflate and the saline water is absorbed and naturally expelled from the body. This process is completely healthy, natural, and noticeable once the rupture occurs. Another surgery is recommended to remove the ruptured implants, to be replaced with a new and improved implant. Some advantages of saline implants include
- Approved for patients at the age of 18 (instead of silicone’s 22-years-old)
- Cost less than silicone breast implants
- Easier customization of size and volume
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants have the same silicone outer shell as saline breast implants but are pre-filled with a silicone gel that mimics the look and feel of natural body fat. Most women report that silicone implants feel more natural than saline implants, however, it is based on personal preference. Since silicone implants come pre-filled, a larger incision is necessary to place the implant under the chest muscle. These implants are generally recommended for women who are thin and have minimal breast tissue. In case of a rupture, it may not be noticed immediately since the gel remains inside the capsule. The FDA recommends that women with silicone implants should receive an MRI every two years after surgery, in case of an unnoticed rupture. Although the silicone gel leaking does not lead to serious health complications, your surgeon will recommend surgery to have it removed. Some advantages of silicone implants include:
- A more natural look and feel
- Minimal to no ripples on the skin
- Suitable for women who are thin and have small breasts
Choosing saline or silicone breast implants is a completely personal choice depending on your body, your individual preference, and what your surgeon may recommend for your desired outcomes. Considering the explanations above, we have provided a starting step in choosing the right implants for your cosmetic enhancement journey. If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call our office to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Marshall Partington.