Deciding to have a breast augmentation is an important and often life-changing decision. Once you have decided you want a breast augmentation to improve the size, shape, or symmetry of your breasts, you and your plastic surgeon will discuss what type of implant will be best for you. Doing your research ahead of time can help you feel more comfortable with your decision and prepare you with questions to ask your doctor. The two main types of implants that you will encounter are saline and silicone.
Saline Implant
Saline implants are made from a silicone shell filled with sterile saltwater. If you are 18 or older, this implant is an option for you! One major benefit of choosing a saline implant is that the saline solution is completely safe for the body to absorb. If the shell were to leak or rupture, the implant would deflate and the saline would be naturally absorbed by the body. With saline, the implant can continue to be filled after placement, meaning incisions don’t need to be as large. Some women might not like this type of implant because it is slightly firmer than silicone, and can show more rippling, which might be visible through thin skin.
Silicone Implant
Silicone implants have similar shells as saline implants but are filled with silicone gel. You must be 22 or older to be approved for this type of implant. Many women like this implant because it feels more like natural breast tissue. One major consideration when thinking about this implant is what would happen if this implant were to leak or rupture. In most modern silicone gel implants, the gel is cross-linked, which prevents the gel from leaking out, even if the shell is ruptured. Extensive studies have shown silicone gel implants to be safe for breast augmentation. Unlike saline implants, silicone implants often keep their shape during a leak, making a rupture difficult to detect. Your incision for a silicone implant may be slightly longer because it is pre-filled.
Now that you have some background on your two main implant options, you can weigh the pros and cons and decide which implant is best for your body type, goals, and desired results. This will all be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Homas or Dr. Brostrom to help ensure that you make the right decision.