Saline and Silicone Breast Implants: Make an Informed Decision
Because breast implants come in a variety of styles, sizes, textures, and shapes, it is essential to know which will best suit you. Understanding silicone vs. saline breast implants can help patients make an informed decision before committing to treatment. Your physician will help guide you towards choosing the best options to reach your desired effect.
At Lowe Plastic Surgery in Oklahoma City, OK, Dr. James B. Lowe specializes in all aspects of breast implant procedures. He has provided care for cosmetic patients for over a decade and can walk you through what to expect from both implant options.
Pros and Cons of Saline Breast Implants
Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with a sterile saltwater solution. In most cases, they are placed in the breast first and filled afterward.
There are several benefits to choosing saline breast implants, including:
- Safety: Because saltwater is biocompatible, you do not have to worry about the risks of a ruptured implant. If the implant is damaged, any saltwater that escapes is safely absorbed by the body.
- Customizable Size: Each implant can be filled to the exact volume that a patient desires.
- Minimal Scarring: Because a saline implant can be inserted while still empty, the incisions can be much smaller. As a result, any scarring after surgery is minimal.
- Easy Revision: If damaged, saline implants usually deflate completely and can be removed as easily as they were placed.
However, patients at our Oklahoma City plastic surgery office should be aware of the drawbacks to this implant option. Saline implants:
- Feel Less Natural: Because a saltwater solution does not have the same feel as breast tissue, saline implants may seem less natural than silicone options. In terms of texture, these implants have been more closely compared to balloons than breasts.
- Look Less Natural: Saline implants appear rounder compared to alternative options. As a result, some patients find them unnatural or unrealistic.
- Can Ripple: Saline implants are known to have a rippling appearance. While your doctor can place the implant under the chest muscle to diminish this effect, you may prefer not to have to worry about it at all.
Pros and Cons of Silicone Implants
A silicone breast implant has a silicone outer shell that is filled with a viscous silicone gel. Depending on your preference, you can choose either a smooth or textured shell.
Some of the advantages of silicone breast implants include:
- Less wrinkling and "rippling"
- A more natural-looking appearance
- Natural texture and feel
Some of the shortcomings of silicone breast implants include:
- Risk of more visible surgical scars
- Greater expense
- Increased risk of implant rupture
Let Dr. Lowe help you make a more informed choice about choosing the right breast implants for you.
What to Expect during Your Consultation
To determine your candidacy for breast implants, you will need to schedule a meeting with Dr. Lowe so he can conduct a comprehensive evaluation. This consultation will include:
- A thorough examination of your body and breasts
- A detailed review of your medical history
- An outline of all costs and expenses
- An in-depth discussion of your goals and expectations for treatment
Every potential breast augmentation patient should be thoroughly informed about the differences between saline and silicone breast implants. During your consultation, Dr. Lowe will carefully listen to your aesthetic concerns and help you determine a treatment plan to meet your needs.
Make sure to write down any questions or concerns you have and bring them in during your consultation. When you leave our office, we want you to feel informed and confident about your treatment decisions.
Contact Lowe Plastic Surgery Today
Your decision to have breast augmentation is a personal one. Let Dr. Lowe help you make a more informed choice about choosing the right breast implants for you. Contact him today online or by calling (405) 942-4300.
