Silicone Implants Vs. Saline Implants- Which Should I Choose?

Saline is a solution that is basically saltwater, whereas a silicone implant is filled with a plastic gel-like substance.

The Look
Some saline implant patients complain of rippling under the breast, creating an unappealing look, yet others have no problems with ripples or fold and are completely satisfied with saline breast implants. Still, a silicone implant may be better suited for small-breasted women and those undergoing reconstructive surgery as the ripples will be closer to the skin in these patients.

The Feel
"Women frequently compare the feel of the salines to that of a water balloon, while silicone implants more mimic a woman's natural breast tissue," according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. In countries where silicone is available, patients will choose it 90 percent of the time.

"In all cases, patient safety and informed decision making should be primary considerations in selecting a particular type of implant," reports the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

The Incisions and Placement
A saline breast implant is more versatile in terms of placement than a silicone implant. It can be inserted through the armpit, under the breast, through the outside of the areola, or even through the belly button.

However a silicone breast implant can be inserted only under the breast. This is because they are already filled with gel, where as the saline go in empty and are filled with fluid after insertion. Because of this, the incisions are also much smaller with saline implants. Silicone implant incisions and scars can be as long as 6 cm.

Safety Concerns
Silicone implants were banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the 1990s because of concern that ruptures were causes for cancer and other diseases to patients. Yet in November 2006, the FDA reversed its position on silicone implants, making them available for breast reconstruction surgeries and for breast augmentation procedures for any woman over the age of 22.

The FDA stated in its press release, "In the past decade, a number of independent studies have examined whether silicone gel-filled breast implants are associated with connective tissue disease or cancer. The studies, including a report by the Institute of Medicine, have concluded there is no convincing evidence that breast implants are associated with either of these diseases. However, these issues will be addressed further in the post-approval studies conducted by the companies."

A definite advantage of the saline implants, though, is that even if they do rupture, the salt water solution can be harmlessly absorbed within the body.

Both silicone and saline breast implants could be a good fit for your breast augmentation procedure. Tell your doctor about your preferences and desires and he or she will help you determine which one will bring you more satisfaction.

By: A Aaronson

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For breast augmentation, New Jersey clinic offers two basic choices in terms of the types of implant filler to choose from which are saline and silicone. Learn about the differences at Premier Plastic Surgery Arts. www.premierplasticsurgeryarts.com.