The two basic types of breast implants for breast augmentation are silicone and saline. Both implants are composed of an outer silicone shell. Both types come in a variety of sizes, projection levels, and fill volumes. The main difference between the two implants is in their respective contents. The best implant is carefully selected and matched depending on the goals of a patient.
Silicone vs. Saline: What’s the Difference?
Both silicone and saline have an excellent safety record. With the help of an experienced, professional board-certified plastic surgeon, you can achieve a natural look for your breast augmentation. Here are the main differences between silicone and saline:
Saline Implants
Saline implants are shell implants filled with a saltwater solution, with the consistency of water. It is usually filled during the breast augmentation procedure. Unlike silicone, in the case of leaking, it will collapse. The saline substance will be naturally absorbed and expelled by the body. Nonetheless, you will need surgery to remove the outer shell.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are made with a thick silicone gel material. In contrast to saline, this silicone material mimics the feel and appearance of natural body fat and breast tissue. In the case of leaking, it will not collapse. Instead, the gel may seep into the breast implant pocket or stay inside the shell implant.
Unlike with saline implants, which any woman over the age of 18 can get, the FDA requires that you must be 22 years of age or older to get silicone implants for breast augmentation.
Why Choose Silicone Over Saline Implants?
With the knowledge of the differences between silicone implants and saline implants, here are more reasons why you may consider silicone over saline:
Natural Look and Feel
A skilled surgeon can give a natural look to the breast using saline implants. However, the appearance and texture of silicone gel implants have the right consistency to help it look more natural inside the breast. It’s feel is closely comparable to natural breast tissue. Meanwhile, rippling may occur when you are using saline implants, and they may feel more firm, especially if overfilled to avoid wrinkling.
Silicone is also lighter than saline implants of a similar size. Moreover, in cold weather, saline implants may not feel as warm as the rest of the body.
Shaped Implants
Another advantage of silicone implants is that you have significantly more options of form-stable implants for size, shape, and profile compared to saline implants. Therefore, you have many more choices depending on the look you desire.
For Women with Very Little Natural Breast Tissue
One of the main reasons women opt for breast augmentation is because their breasts are too small. So, why silicone? Silicone implants have a more viscous or thick consistency filling than saltwater saline filling. More patients prefer the natural softness of silicone. Meanwhile, because saline implants do not feel as natural, women with little natural breast tissue may find it challenging to cover the implant.
Does Not Deflate Quickly
Although it is a fact that all breast implants will eventually deflate overtime, saline implants deflate more quickly and more obviously than silicone implants. It is often less noticeable for silicone implants. Nonetheless, a leaking silicone implant can still cause pain, so it is essential to contact your plastic surgeon once it happens.
Breast Implant Surgery in New Jersey
Patients have the choice to decide which implant they want for their breast augmentation procedure. We encourage you to weigh the pros and cons of both types, and then make a decision. While silicone is a bit pricier, the majority of patients have said it is well worth the cost.
At Iorio Plastic Surgery Center, we take pride in our experienced board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Louis M. Iorio. He has years of experience helping women achieve the look they desire. At the consultation, Dr.Iorio will fully explain in detail the implants available and help guide you through the implant decision process based on your anatomy and desired results. After your consultation, you be well informed and confident with your decision. Your surgery will then be scheduled and performed by Dr. Iorio at a certified facility.
Call us today at 732-458-7400 for our Brick office or 732-780-9191 for our Colts Neck office to schedule an appointment. You can also request an appointment online.