Silicone Vs. Saline Breast Implants: Which One Is Right For You?
One of the most popular forms of plastic surgery is breast augmentation and reconstruction. There are two main types of breast implant to choose from and each type offers different benefits and disadvantages that need to be considered when making a decision for breast implant surgery. Let's look at some of the differences in silicone vs. saline breast implants.
Breast implants are made of two parts consisting of the outer shell and inner filling. All implants utilize silicone for the outer shell. The difference in implants is referring to the inner filling that is used. Silicone gel, saline solution and liquid silicone are the three filling to choose from when considering breast implants. The benefits and risks of each type have proved to create quite a controversy over silicone vs. saline breast implants.
Saline breast implants are filled with a saline solution that is a simple salt water mixture. One of the benefits to saline is that a rupture or leak has no health effects on the patient because the solution is harmless. Leaks and ruptures are much more easily spotted, as well. This is because the liquid flows out of the implant quickly making it deflated in a very short amount of time.
Saline solution breast implants are seen as inferior by some because they water solution gives the breast a somewhat less than natural appearance. Ripples are more easily seen in saline breast implants, and sloshing can sometimes be heard, as well. Additionally, capsular contracture is more common in saline breast implants than in silicone implants. Capsular contracture is when the scar tissue around the implant tightens. This can make the implant hard and painful. Liquid silicone breast implants can also have a tendency to ripple. Ruptures or leaks with liquid silicone breast implants cause silicone to permeate the body which can cause infection and excessive bleeding. Silicone gel breast implants are much less likely to rupture because the gel is forms a bond that creates a semi solid substance. However, due to the health risks of silicone, the FDA only allows women who meet certain criteria to receive silicone breast implants. A certified surgeon can offer a more detailed comparison on silicone vs. saline breast implants. Be sure to talk to a certified plastic surgeon about benefits, risks and the different factors that affect your breast implant options. You should also know the details of the procedure that would be used for each type of breast implant option. Additionally, talk to your plastic surgeon about different choices regarding shape, texture, size and positioning of breast implants. Remember, any type of surgery offers certain risks, so you need to be aware of the risks involved with your particular type of surgical procedure. Take time to consider all the options and risks involved. Breast augmentation or reconstruction surgery is a serious matter that should be approached with consideration and time. One of the most important choices to make can depend on the information you receive regarding silicone vs. saline breast implants, so make sure you talk over those choices with your surgeon.
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