Breast augmentation is a frequently requested cosmetic procedure for women looking to enhance the appearance and size of their breasts. Breast augmentation is effective and safe, achieving the following:

• Improve breast shape

• Increase breast volume

• Create better breast symmetry

• Replace lost breast volume due to breastfeeding or weight loss

You have two options when it comes to breast augmentation involving implants. These are saline and silicone breast implants. They are both FDA-approved and can achieve a similar look. However, there are pros and cons to both types of breast implant materials. You must understand the similarities and differences between the two to determine the best option for you.

What Are Saline Implants?

Saline implants feature an outer shell made of silicone material. The cosmetic surgeon inserts the empty shell and then fills it with sterile salt water. Consequently, the incision site is often smaller, making it less noticeable. They are available to patients aged 18 and above.

Saline implants are often less expensive than their silicone counterparts. However, they are more visible under the skin; some people claim you may feel water sloshing. Others argue that they feel firmer than natural breast tissue and that overfilling them can sometimes prevent their wrinkling or rippling.

Pros:

• They are typically less costly than silicone implants

• They require a smaller incision

• A rupture will change the shape of your breast, making it easier to detect a crack

• A break poses no threat to your life since the implant contains sterile water

• A cosmetic surgeon can fill them to fit your exact specifications

Cons:

• They do not look and feel as natural as silicone implants

• Large ones have a high rate of downward displacement

• Sometimes, you may notice a ripple effect around the edges

Silicone Implants

These are implants made entirely of a synthetic material called silicone that feels similar to human fat. Essentially, they feature a silicone shell filled with silicone gel. They come in various shapes and sizes and are firmer or more cohesive than saline implants. Silicone implants are available for patients aged 22 years and above, except in exceptional circumstances such as breast reconstruction. 

Are you considering getting silicone implants? If so, you and your cosmetic surgeon will work together to choose the right option for your desired size and shape. It would be best if you also talked with your doctor about scheduling MRI screenings to check for ruptures every few years.

Pros:

• They contain a gel that closely feels like and resembles natural breast tissue

• The silicone material is less prone to rippling

• They come in various shapes and sizes, so your surgeon can customize the cosmetic procedure to your specifications

Cons:

• You are less likely to notice if your implant ruptures

• They are more expensive than saline implants

• A rupture in your implant can cause pain and various health issues like connective tissue disease and breast cancer

• You must be at least 22 years old to get silicone implants

You might be wondering whether one type of implant is safer for you than the other. Both types of implants are generally safe when a board-certified, experienced, and reputable cosmetic surgeon performs your breast augmentation procedure. 

For more on breast implants, call Rich & Humenansky Plastic Surgery of the Face & Body at (803) 799-3223 for our office in Columbia, South Carolina.