If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, you may have heard about both silicone and saline implants. Here are the primary differences between these two types of breast implants and how to determine which option is right for you.
Recent reports have shown that approximately 20,000 breast augmentation procedures are performed in Canada each year, making it one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries. This operation is so popular because it is a safe and effective way too:
- Improve your self-confidence
- Correct asymmetrical or uneven breasts
- Enhance the appearance of your breasts
- Return your breasts to their pre-pregnancy size
One of the most difficult challenges when choosing to undergo breast augmentation is deciding on your implants. Many options in size, shape, profile, and type are available for you to choose from. When it comes to the material of the breast implant you have two options, silicone and saline. Keep on reading to learn what sets each of them apart. so you can decide what is best for you.
Our Edmonton Plastic Surgeon Can Work With You To Develop a Custom Solution For Your Breast Augmentation
Choosing the right implants does not need to be complicated. Our experienced and qualified board-certified plastic surgeon can help you choose the right breast implants so that you can look and feel your best. With Dr. Adil Ladak, you can feel secure knowing that your plastic surgeon is an expert in breast augmentation procedures and will make sure that you can enjoy the safest and most outstanding results from your surgery.
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What Kind of Implants Are Available?
For women looking to augment their breasts with breast implants, you have the choice of two different types, saline and silicone implants.
Saline: Saline breast implants are made up of a silicone outer gel and are filled with a saline solution made out of sterile saltwater. Typically the implants are inserted while empty and then filled to the desired specification afterwards.
Silicone: Breast implants made out of silicone are pre-filled with a thick, gel-like fluid, called silicone gel, that closely imitates human flesh and fat tissue. This type of implant comes in a wide range of sizes to choose from. Once you have selected your size, that exact implant is inserted during the surgery.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BREAST AUGMENTATION IN EDMONTON
What's The Difference Between Saline and Silicone Implants?
No matter what you choose, both implants have been used for thousands of women and are incredibly safe. However, there are some key differences between them that you must know about in order to make the most informed decision regarding your breast augmentation.
Look and Feel
Many women prefer the look of a round, projecting breast implant, while many others prefer the look of enhanced, natural-looking implants. Silicone implants are known to provide a more natural, teardrop shape to them and feel more like the surrounding breast tissue. However, if you are looking for more prominence in your breasts, you may prefer saline implants.
Ruptures
No matter which type of implant, ruptures are incredibly and increasingly rare. Unfortunately, they do happen from time to time. Because the contents of a saline implant is a saltwater solution, your body will be able to naturally absorb it. Additionally, a ruptured saline implant will be noticed rather quickly, usually within a few hours of days, compared to a silicone one.
When a silicone implant ruptures, you may not notice for a few months or even years! This is because the silicone gel that does escape is not naturally absorbed by the body and will remain trapped by the surrounding breast tissue. If not treated, a ruptured silicone breast implant could cause some slight pain or discomfort, which can be fixed during a replacement breast implant surgery.
Customization and Adjustability
As mentioned earlier, saline implants are placed in the breast tissue while not inflated with the saline solution. Once the implants are placed, the saline solution is added to create the desired size and shape. This means that you can customize the size of your implants by adding or removing the fluid over the years as your body and preferences change.
Conversely, once a silicon implant surgery is complete, the size or shape of the breast cannot change unless a full surgery is completed and a different sized implant is selected.
Surgery
While silicone implants tend to weigh less than similar-sized saline ones, they also require a larger sized incision during surgery. This is also due primarily to the fact that saline implants are filled after insertion, meaning that a smaller opening is needed. Although all of your scars should go away over time, it may take a slightly longer time for the incisions from a silicone implant to heal.
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Cost
While you should always put the needs and wants of you and your body first, unfortunately for some, the cost does play a factor in their preference. Breast implant manufacturers tend to price silicone implants higher than saline ones. Depending on some other reasons such as the size, shape, and profile of your implants, it is normal for the difference in cost to hover around $1,000 more for silicone implants compared to saline ones.
All-In-All, You Can't Go Wrong
When you are ultimately deciding, there isn't a wrong answer. Both types of implants have their benefits and their drawbacks, and it's up to you to determine what type you feel more comfortable with and would prefer.
THE PROS AND CONS OF SALINE AND SILICONE IMPLANTS
Contact Us Today To Book Your Consultation!
Interested in learning more about breast augmentation surgery and breast implants? Our board-certified plastic surgeon can work with you to find out which procedures are right for you and how we can customize them to suit your body and your needs.
You can call us at 780-407-6691 or contact us online through our online contact form.
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