Comparing Saline and Silicone Breast Implants

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed today. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that over 300,000 women underwent a breast augmentation in 2008 alone. If you are considering increasing your bust size with a breast augmentation, first read this overview of saline and silicone breast implants.

Saline Implants

The exterior of  a saline breast implant is made of a solid yet flexible silicone elastomer shell which is filled with a sterile saltwater solution. The firmness of the implants varies depending on the volume of saline and the implant’s capacity. Saline implants provide a variety of benefits. Many plastic surgeons will insert the saline implants before filling them with the solution, which not only allows for smaller incisions but also reduces the risk of bruising and scarring. If a saline implant ruptures due to trauma or injury, the leaking saline solution is non-toxic and can be safely absorbed and processed by your body. In addition, saline implants are often 50% less expensive than silicone implants.

Silicone Implants

Silicone breast implants were invented in 1961, but modern implants are much different than those used 50 years ago. Using the same silicone elastomer shell as saline implants, new FDA approved silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that does not run or leak. While the incisions for silicone breast implants must be larger than those for saline implants, silicone implants more closely resemble natural breast tissue. Unlike the older style silicone implants, silicone gel implants are completely safe and have a minimal failure rate.

Making the decision to undergo plastic surgery is a big step. Let the Dr. Heather Rocheford at Rocheford Plastic Surgery help you determine which breast implants are right for you.  Call today to set up your consultation.