Are you planning to have a breast augmentation procedure? In that case, you should expect your surgeon to ask which type of implant to use. Breast augmentation, otherwise known as a boob job, is a procedure that involves breast enhancement through fat transfer or breast implants. At the moment, there are two types of breast implants available, namely saline and silicone. While both are proven safe and effective, they also have their benefits and drawbacks that distinguish one from the other. If you can’t decide between saline versus silicone breast implants, we are here to help you.
Before choosing your breast implant type, it is crucial to compare the pros and cons of each type. With the assistance of our board certified plastic surgeon, we will discuss all you need to know prior to your procedure.
How Are Breast Implants Made?
All breast implants start off with a mold, which is called a mandrel. This material serves as the outer layer that holds the material in place. Next, it is either dipped or sprayed with silicone which is often left with a small hole.
For saline implants, manufacturers use a silicone patch with a valve to seal the hole. Typically, saline implants are often available in their deflated form. Doing so allows the surgeon to fill the implant with a new saline solution on the day of the surgery.
On the other hand, round silicone patches close the holes in silicone gel implants. By piercing a special needle into the patch, the manufacturer will pre-fill the implant with a predetermined amount of silicone gel. Depending on the required texture, the implant is left with a smooth surface or a textured layer. Silicone gel implants are shrink-wrapped and come in an easy-peel plastic seal. Lastly, it undergoes proper sterilisation prior to packaging.
Saline versus Silicone Breast Implants
The filler materials of saline and silicone gel implants are highly distinct. Both are pretty diverse in terms of their properties and attributes. According to the Food and Drug Administration, these two can vary in their physical characteristics, specific functionality, and compatibility.
To establish the distinction between the two, let’s break it down according to different properties.
Shape and Form
Saline implants are known as non-coherent fillers. A non-coherent filler will not resist changes in its form. Whereas coherent fillers such as silicone implants would do.
For example, let’s say that you will place saline implants into a rounded container. When that container abruptly transforms into a different shape, saline implants will be quick to follow the new form. Therefore, it is more flexible in terms of changes.
In a similar situation, a sudden change will not happen on silicone implants. Because of its nature, silicone will retain its original shape for quite some time. Nonetheless, the substance will still flow and take the new form of the container but in a much more gradual way.
Firmness and Feel
Saline implants are far more firm in comparison with silicone implants. Experts often associate this firmness with the rippling appearance of the implant. To avoid irregularities in the implant contour, a board certified plastic surgeon should address compatibility related to the feel and look of the implant type.
A lot of people claim that the sterile liquid of a saline implant causes it to be more recognizable under the skin. Additionally, people who have this type of implant can feel the saline substance moving through their breasts.
For silicone implants, the firmness feels much closer to existing breast tissue. Because of this condition, silicone implants provide far more minor rippling and wrinkling. This characteristic is crucial for women with thin breast tissues.
Complications from Ruptures
A board certified plastic surgeon would suggest checking for ruptures every now and then. You can do this assessment through several imaging scans, such as an MRI.
Several studies claim that silicone implants are more prone to complications. When silicone implants leak, the gel is more likely to travel inside your body. However, newer claims from experts disprove this myth. According to scientific researchers, any foreign body present in your body will influence scar tissue formation. Should the silicone implant leak, the scar tissue serves as an additional reservoir. Thus, protecting the gel from traveling in other areas of your body.
The same concern is also available in saline implants. However, when the saline solution comes out of the implant shell, your body will not react to it. Instead, your system will safely absorb the saline and excretes it in a few days. You can quickly identify when a rupture is present on saline implants because the shell will deflate as soon as the soft tissue envelope becomes empty.
Cost and Additional Expenses
Typically, a breast implant procedure could cost up to twelve thousand dollars. Although, it is known that silicone implants would cost a thousand dollars more than saline implants. This price variation is due to the implant material availability and market demand.
However, the implant surgery price range may also depend on other factors. These include the surgeon’s professional fee, surgical materials used, examinations for the initial consultation, and many more. Some clinics may offer silicone implants at a much higher price because of the complexity of the procedure and the time it takes prior to the actual surgery.
Which Breast Implant is Better?
In summary, choosing the best implant type can be challenging. There are still ongoing debates regarding which kind is better.
Considering the differences between saline versus silicone breast implants, both have their respective advantages and disadvantages. As any board certified plastic surgeon would say, there is no single breast implant type for everyone. It is best to keep in mind that our bodies have their differences. Therefore, one implant may be optimal for some, but it may not be suitable for others.
Should I Consider Breast Augmentation?
Regardless of the implant type, breast augmentation is generally safe. If a board certified plastic surgeon performs the procedure, you can expect a professional approach in your treatment plan.
As implant manufacturers pave the way towards newer designs and types of breast implants, there may be more possibilities and options to consider. However, whether you opt for saline or silicone implants, regular appointments with your surgeon should be your topmost priority.
Making Your Decision
Many people choose silicone implants because it looks and feels more natural. However, saline implants may leave a smaller scar because the implant shell is implanted empty and subsequently filled.
Finding a trustworthy, board certified plastic surgeon to do your surgery is critical. Since breast augmentation is a collaborative procedure, you can work together with your surgeon in choosing which implant is appropriate for your body and its individual needs.
Aside from that, it is a good idea to request before-and-after images of your surgeon’s patients. This will allow you to identify which one is your preferred goal.
Top Breast Augmentation Clinic in Sydney
Whether for cosmetic or functional purposes, consider having your breast augmentation in one of the most reputable clinics in Sydney. Here at Refine Clinic, our board certified plastic surgeons can help you walk your way towards the beautifully sculpted breasts you’ve always wanted.
If you’re wondering which type is best for you, please don’t hesitate to give us a call today at (02) 8188 3775. You can also book your appointment through our website. Feel free to discuss your concerns with our friendly staff, and they’ll be glad to assist you in making a personalised treatment plan.
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