Pros & Cons of Saline vs Silicone Implants

Breast augmentation is one of the most frequently requested cosmetic procedures in Canada. If you are considering this procedure, here’s how to decide between silicone and saline breast implants, and how our Edmonton plastic surgeon can help ensure you get the most natural looking and satisfactory results.

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Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments for women looking to enhance the size and appearance of their breasts. When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, a breast augmentation is a safe and effective way to: 

• Increase the volume of the breast naturally 
• Replace volume that has been lost due to major weight loss or after breastfeeding
• Create better symmetry to the breasts if they are naturally different sizes or shapes
• Improve breast shape 

Our Edmonton Plastic Surgeon Can Help You Choose the Right Breast Implants 

The breast augmentation procedure at our Edmonton clinic is a safe and effective way to help you improve the size and appearance of your breasts. During a consultation, our plastic surgeon can assess your aesthetic goals and medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for this surgery, and whether silicone or saline implants will give you the best results.

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Pros and Cons of Saline vs Silicone Breast Implants 

For women who are considering a breast augmentation surgery, there are two types of breast implants to choose from. The right type for you will depend on factors such as implant placement and your ultimate aesthetic goals. 

3 SIMPLE STEPS TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT BREAST IMPLANT 

There are pros and cons to both saline and silicone breast implants and your plastic surgeon can help you make the best decision about which is most suited to your needs. 

Saline Implants 

Saline-filled breast implants contain a silicone outer shell filled with sterile saltwater (saline) solution. Some are pre-filled, while others are filled during the breast augmentation procedure. 

Pros 

• They require a very small incision to be inserted, which results in a smaller scar. 
• They can be filled during the procedure to fit your exact specifications, for more natural results. 
• Because they are composed of sterile saltwater, they will pose no threat to your health if they rupture. 
• It is easier to detect a rupture of a saline implant because the shape of your breast will change. 
• They are more cost-effective than silicone breast implants. 

Cons 

• Saline implants don’t look as natural as silicone implants 
• They can look round and stiff, especially in patients with modest breast tissue 
• In some cases, you may notice a ripple effect around the edges of the implant after your breast augmentation 
• Large saline implants have a higher rate of downward displacement than silicone 

Silicone Implants 

Silicone gel-filled breast implants have a silicone outer shell that is filled with silicone gel. They come in different sizes and have either smooth or textured shells. 

Pros 

• Silicone implants are filled with a gel that very closely resembles and feels like real breast tissue
• These breast implants come in a variety of sizes, so the procedure can be customized to your specifications
• They are made from a thicker, viscous material and are less prone to rippling compared to saline implants

Cons 

• They are only FDA approved for women over the age of 22 years old
• If the implant ruptures, you are less likely to notice it
• A ruptured silicone implant can lead to pain and a variety of health issues including breast cancer or connective tissue disease
• They are more expensive compared to saline implants

How Do I Choose the Size of My Breast Implant? 

You must be very careful when choosing the size of your breast implant. The implants should complement your entire frame and the size you opt for must be based on your specific goals. To ensure the most natural looking results, your plastic surgeon will consider a number of factors when choosing your breast implant size, including: 

• The width of your collarbone
• The dimensions of your waist and hips
• The circumference of your chest
• The size and protrusion of your ribcage 

During your plastic surgery consultation, your surgeon can help you envision what different sized implants will look like on your body in order to help you make the most informed decision.

Call Today

To find out more about the costs and benefits of our breast augmentation surgery, and how our Edmonton plastic surgeon can help you select the right type, shape, and size of implant to give you the most natural and satisfactory breast augmentation results, contact us at (780) 407-6691 or fill out our online contact form.