What is the difference between saline and silicone implants?
The implant, itself, is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or saline solution. Due to concerns about the safety of silicone gel-filled implants, the FDA has determined that only women in approved studies can opt for silicone implants. In general, silicone implants are reserved for breast reconstruction (after mastectomy), breast lifts, and for people who already have breast implants but who are changing to new implants. The specific criteria to be enrolled in these studies can be explained to you by Dr. Weniger. Saline-filled implants are available to breast augmentation patients on an unrestricted basis, and are therefore used in the vast majority of cosmetic breast augmentation. Capsular contracture (scar tissue around the implant) is less common and less severe with saline implants than with silicone.
A saline implant has a silicone rubber shell filled with sterile saltwater. A silicone implant has the same shell filled with a silicone gel. Saline implants are used for the vast majority of augmentation patients. Silicone implants are available at present for selected breast augmentation patients and for almost all reconstruction patients. Some surgeons feel that silicone breast implants are somewhat superior, as they tend to be somewhat lighter than saline and more natural feeling. Saline breast implants are somewhat heavier and will pull more on the breast tissue over time and may result in earlier drooping or a mature breast sooner than would be hoped for. Good bra support over the years is important in preventing this appearance. A saline breast implant with a flaw will deflate slowly over several days or weeks and be easily noticeable; however, a flawed silicone implant will leak into the capsule surrounding the breast implant and may not be detectable by the patient, physician
Saline implants are filled with a “Normal Saline” solution which is basically sterilized water with added sodium chloride (salt). Should the implant rupture or leak, this saline solution, just like water, would be absorbed completely by your body. Silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel and are currently utilized only under guidelines set by the FDA as part of a long term study of their safety. These silicone implants are only available for those individuals who meet the study requirements and are typically used for reconstructive purposes.
/24-7PressRelease/ – July 19, 2006 – Breast augmentation is a procedure that can dramatically change a woman’s appearance and the way she feels about herself. Making the decision to have breast augmentation is not one that should be taken lightly. As you are considering the idea of undergoing breast augmentation, it’s best to gather all of the information and facts and then make an informed decision. One of the biggest choices that a woman is faced with once she has made the decision to have breast augmentation is the choice between silicone or saline breast implants. There is a good deal of information regarding both choices and after reviewing the differences between the two implants, a woman can make an informed decision. Over the years, the breast augmentation procedure has advanced and developed a great deal. As the procedure has grown in popularity, so have the choices of different methods and materials to use when undergoing an augmentation. Many people know that for years, sili
Saline implants are filled with a “Normal Saline” solution which is basically sterilized water with added sodium chloride (salt). Should the implant rupture or leak, this saline solution, just like water, would be absorbed completely by your body. Silicone implants are now FDA approved for use in the United States. Silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel that holds together and is “cohesive”. This implant feels more natural and has more natural give that resembles breast tissue. Patients are able to achieve natural results with either choice.
