Breast implants are used in breast augmentation surgeries to increase the breast size. Whether due to pregnancy or massive weight loss, the breasts can lose their volume and shape. Hence, breast implants can help enhance the size of the breasts as well as improve their shape. Knowing the types of breast implants and the difference between them will help you better choose which one is the best for you. So, stay with us as we discuss the pros and cons of saline vs. silicone implants and elaborate on Estherian Clinic’s approach to selecting the ideal one for their patients.
🏥 What Are Saline and Silicone Implants?
Let’s have a quick look at the structure and filling of both types of breast implants:
Filling of Saline and Silicone Implants
The exterior of both types of breast implants is made using silicone. The filling of the two is what makes them different. The saline implants are inserted first into the body and then filled with a saline solution. This is sterile salt water. Prior to being filled, the saline implants are inserted empty. On the other hand, silicone implants are already filled with silicone gel before being inserted. Additionally, silicone implants are believed by many to be the best implant type for a natural look.
Age
The saline implants are available to patients at the age of 18 and above, while the patient has to be 22 and above for them to get silicone breast implants for breast augmentation options. However, the silicone implants can be acquired at any age for breast reconstruction.
⚕️Saline vs Silicone: A Detailed Breast Implant Comparison
Now let’s have a deeper look into the pros and cons of saline vs silicone implants:
Look and Feel
Saline implants are much lighter compared to silicone ones due to the watery consistency of their saline filling. Silicone implants, however, have a much more natural look and feel to them.
Additionally, saline implants are more prone to rippling and wrinkling due to their watery filling.
Saline vs Silicone Implants: Surgical Differences
The incision size for both types of implants differs. Moreover, the incision for a saline implant is smaller because it is inserted when empty and filled after insertion. The incision is either made around the areola or in the breast crease.
Since the silicone implants are already filled, they need a larger incision. However, an expert surgeon will make sure to place the scar in a way that makes it the least visible.
Additionally, saline implants offer more adjustability since filling them after insertion allows the surgeon to modify them according to the desired shape and projection.
Safety and Risk Factors
Most people believe that the saline implants are safer. This is due to the fact that if it ruptures, it only has salt water inside, and this will just be reabsorbed in the body. The rupture of a saline implant is easily noticeable as the breast’s appearance and feel will change. In case of a rupture, the silicone shell will require removal, and the implant will be replaced with a new implant.
One thing to note about silicone implant safety is that it is also generally safe if done by a Board-certified surgeon. However, in case of a rupture, it can be hard to detect. A slight change in the feel of the breast or appearance is the only thing that will indicate a leak. Due to this, the rupture of a silicone implant is called a silent rupture, and an MRI will be needed to detect it.
Longevity and Durability
While silicone and saline breast implants don’t have an expiry date, they do require replacing since they are not meant to last forever. The lifespan of a saline implant is anywhere between 10 to 20 years. On the other hand, silicone implants can also last anywhere between 10 to 20 years.
Between the 2 types, silicone implants are considered much more durable. However, they require regular monitoring to prevent ruptures.
📍 It is essential to have an in-depth consultation with a Board-certified surgeon and get informed about the pros and cons of each implant type and when they will need to be replaced.
Cost Differences
The saline implants are a lot cheaper. This is due to the incision size being smaller as well as the overall production cost of these implants. Since the silicone implants are expensive to manufacture and offer a much more natural appearance, they tend to be more expensive.
📍 Irrespective of the cost, the benefits of each implant type and its compatibility with your aesthetic goals should also be considered during the selection process.
👙 Things to Consider When Getting Breast Implants
If you are thinking of getting breast implants for augmentation or reconstruction, it is essential to know what to expect from this procedure to be realistic about the final results:
- Breast implants may not improve the sagginess of the breasts. A breast lift may be recommended by the surgeon to tighten and lift the breasts.
- The breast implants won’t last forever and will eventually require replacement.
- Breasts won’t stay the same throughout one’s life. They will change with age. It should be expected that factors such as weight loss, weight gain, or even age require the patient to undergo more surgeries in the future.
- If at any point, you require your implants to be removed, you will need more surgery.
👨⚕️ Estherian Clinic’s Expert Approach to Breast Implant Selection
The surgeons at the Estherian Clinic consider various factors before selecting the ideal type of breast implant for you. They carry out an in-depth assessment and consider both safety and aesthetics to ensure the patient is fully satisfied with the results. This includes assessing the condition of your breasts, your body type, etc. Sizers and 3D Imaging are used to predict post-operative results for better decision-making. Ultimately, the well-being and satisfaction of the patient are of paramount importance to all our surgeons.
