Nearly 300,000 women chose to have a breast augmentation procedure in 2015, and 80 percent of them chose silicone implants according to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Clearly, silicone implants are by far more popular, but is silicone really superior?
What’s on the Inside
Both saline and silicone implants start with similar silicone shells, although shells made for saline implants may have a valve and shells made for silicone implants may be thicker. The filling of the implant is what makes the difference.
Saline implants are placed inside the breast while they’re empty and are then filled with sterile salt water through the valve. Some women prefer saline implants because the body can absorb saline without any ill effects should a rupture, although rare, occur. Ruptures are also quickly evident as saline implants deflate.
Silicone implants come pre-filled with a thick silicone gel from the manufacturer. The density, look and feel of silicone implants offer a closer match to natural breast tissue than saline implants. Silicone is also less prone to visible wrinkles and ripples than saline and can deliver very natural-looking results, which makes silicone the most popular choice.
A Skilled Surgeon
Finding the right plastic surgeon is arguably more important than the type of implant you choose, and a surgeon who specializes in breast augmentation can help you achieve beautiful results with either saline or silicone implants. Your plastic surgeon can use his expertise, training and experience to walk you through the benefits of both types of implants and explain which type might work best for you.
Providing patients with plastic surgery and non-surgical treatment options, Dr. Rand uses his medical expertise and aesthetic sensibilities to make a positive impact on the lives of his patients. Dr. Rand is constantly driven by the unique challenges of plastic surgery, a field that seamlessly blends artistry and medical science.
