Are you thinking about increasing your breast size? Then you might have some questions regarding the differences between silicone and saline breast implants. Hundreds of thousands of American women undergo breast augmentation each year, and the number of those who get silicone versus saline is about half and half. Since approximately 50 percent of women get one kind of implant and 50 percent get the other, it shows just how well received both types of implants are.
The Advantages of Silicone
Many plastic surgeons refer to silicone as a kind of gel that closely mimics breast tissue. Given that patients want their implants to look and feel as real as natural breasts, many opt for this kind of breast implant. During breast augmentation, a surgeon inserts silicone implants already filled with the gel material. Women who get silicone breast implants should also note that when the implant suffers a leak, it often retains its shape. The gel is so thick that it can stay in position even after trauma. Though a plastic surgeon must attend to the problem, patients need not worry that their breasts will deflate or become malformed.
The Benefits of Saline
All saline implants come with silicone exteriors. Only their interiors contain saline, a salt-water solution. This solution may feel more pliable than implants filled with silicone, which some women want. Also, if a woman is receiving saline implants, the surgeon inserts the structure prior to filling it with the salt-water mixture. Once in place, he then inflates it. Women who get saline implants should keep in mind that they will likely know right away if they have a leak. Ruptured implants tend to deflate, which allows patients to immediately detect the problem and seek help for it.
Blackhawk Plastic Surgery offers both saline and silicone breast implants for eligible patients. If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation, call us at (925) 736-5757 for an initial consultation. We provide breast augmentation and other cosmetic enhancement services for residents of San Ramon, Pleasanton, Livermore, Alamo, and Danville.
