Blog Article
Posted on June 28th, 2012 in
Breast Surgery
While the choice between saline and silicone is among the most important breast implant decisions, many women don’t realize that it’s just one among many choices that they’ll have to make. There are
many different breast implant options available, and you’ll need to consider these factors before you can find the breast implant that’s right for you.
Saline and Silicone Breast Implants
Saline implants consist of a solid silicone shell filled with sterile saltwater. They can be prefilled to a certain size, or filled at the time of the surgery after being implanted. This allows greater choice and customization during your
breast augmentation. Saline implants can be inserted by a smaller incision than silicone implants.
Despite all these benefits, however, saline implants may not feel as natural as silicone-filled implants if you lack sufficient
breast tissue.
Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel. They come in a variety of sizes, either with smooth or textured shells. Because they come prefilled, silicone implants require a longer incision. They offer a more natural field and saline implants, but may rupture without your knowledge, so that regular MRIs after your breast augmentation surgery will be necessary.
Gummy Bear Implants
The most recent implant to hit the US market is the cohesive gel, or “gummy bear,” breast implant. Unlike other silicone implants,
gummy bear implants can retain their shape when cut in half. Their texture and stability has resulted in the “gummy bear” nickname.
Proponents of gummy bear breast implants say that they:
- last longer
- maintain a better shape
- resist wear and tear associated with gravity
- are less likely to leak
Regardless of what type of breast implant you choose, it’s important to find a board-certified plastic surgeon who is familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of all different types of breast implants.
