Which Is Right for You? Saline or Silicone
When it comes to having a breast augmentation, women have several choices to consider. The first, and arguably the most important, is to choose the correct plastic surgeon.
To ensure the best fit, you can ask friends and family for recommendations, check the credentials and reviews of the surgeons you are considering, and schedule a one-on-one consultation to meet the doctor personally and discuss your procedure.
Make sure you are choosing a surgeon who has done many similar procedures and can show you a before-and-after photo gallery of his work, including patient testimonials about the success of their procedures.
You should also feel comfortable with your surgeon. Is he/she approachable and non-intimidating? Do you feel your questions are welcome and taken seriously? Does he/she listen well?
Once you are confident you have selected the best plastic surgeon for you,
you can work together to determine whether you need a lift as well as
implants, or simply a size enhancement. Your surgeon will be able to guide
you to choosing the size implants that will work best with your body frame
and lifestyle.
One decision that some women wrestle with is choosing the type of implant. This is largely due to the fact that implants have improved so much over the past ten years and both saline and silicone offer equally positive qualities in their own ways. Both saline and silicone implants feature an outer shell made of silicone, making these implants durable and safe. They are both approved by the FDA.
It’s great to have two such attractive options! However, that does make it more challenging to make a decision. Which is best for you? The answer depends on the results you desire, and often, on the breasts you currently have.
If your breasts are asymmetrical (meaning one is visibly larger than the other, a very common occurrence), saline implants may be your best option. This is because they are empty when inserted and then filled with saline during the procedure, allowing your surgeon a very detailed level of control in adjusting size. This also means you will usually have a smaller incision.
Silicone gel implants are inserted pre-filled, but they also offer a more natural touch and feel. Many women feel that their breasts feel as natural post-augmentation as they did before. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to detect where the implant starts and stops, or to differentiate it from your natural breast tissue. This is especially valuable for women who are very thin or had very small breasts originally.
Although the risk of rupturing is very slight with either type of implants, some patients may wish to consider the “maintenance” aspect of their implants. With saline implants, you will not need any special monitoring. In the event of a leak, it should be visible immediately and your body will simply absorb the saline. However, some doctors recommend that you have breast MRIs every few years with silicone, to make sure they are still intact. A rupture is less likely with silicone, and in the unlikely event it happens, there is no health risk to your body to have the gel “loose.”
Today’s implants are safer and more beautiful than ever before. Whichever implant you choose, a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon will work with you closely to help you achieve the results you desire.
