Breast Implants: why choose silicone over saline?

So you’ve decided on a breast augmentation procedure, but the decisions don’t stop there. Now you need to choose the size, shape, incision location, whether to go under or over the muscle and last but definitely not least, the type of implant to be used. Saline or silicone?

The choice you make will play a significant role in how your breasts look and feel, so let’s explain why we think silicone is a more viable option over saline.

Look and Feel

Silicone implants feel and can frequently look more natural, with the firm silicone emulating the feel of a natural breast. This is particularly important for women with low body fat or minimal breast tissue, as there isn’t a great deal of natural breast tissue to disguise the implant, so the more natural the implant, the better. Saline implants, however, are described by some to have a less natural feel and can often show rippling at the sides and lower part of the breast, where silicone implants are less likely to do so.

Chance of Rupture

If there is a rupture, saline implants will deflate substantially and almost immediately as the saline solution leaves the capsule, leaving a distinct lack of volume in the affected breast. Silicone ruptures are slightly less common, with the implant being more durable. If one was to rupture, the gel would most likely stay within the tissue due to its thick texture. It will still need to be removed/replaced just like the saline implant, though the visible change will be less aggressive and immediate. A scan every few years can help detect possible ruptures in a silicone implant.

Your choice of implant comes down to personal preference which is guided by your surgeon. Both options have pros and cons that will be discussed in your consultation, in order to find the right option for you. Keep in mind that there are several types of silicone implant available. Apart from a variety of sizes, there are different shapes (such as round and teardrop) and textures to make the implant perfect for you in every way.

Silicone implants are the gold standard with many plastic surgeons and their clients due to them being more natural in look and feel. Many women who decide on breast augmentation do so to acquire natural looking breasts, making silicone implants a wise option.

We would be more than happy to discuss your options and assess what type of implant would suit your body type in a breast augmentation consultation. We can use our 3D Vectra camera to show you a 3D image of what you may look like post-procedure. For more information or to organise a consult, call us on (03) 9034 7738.

MAKING AN INFORMED DECISION

Our website is intended to provide general information about breast augmentation and should not be used as a substitute for personalised medical advice. It is important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if breast augmentation is the right procedure for you. The following considerations should be part of your decision-making process.

Risks

All surgical procedures carry risk. The potential risks and complications associated with breast augmentation include, but are not limited to, bleeding, infection, changes in nipple or breast sensation, implant rupture or leakage, asymmetry, poor scarring and the need for additional surgery. It is important to understand the risks involved and weigh up the benefits and drawbacks of surgery before undergoing breast augmentation.

Recovery

Recovery time after breast augmentation may vary depending on the individual, the extent of the procedure, and the type of implant used. In general, patients should be prepared to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising after surgery. Patients must also be prepared to take time off work and other activities (including exercise) and follow Dr Thomas’ post-operative instructions to promote proper healing and minimise the risk of complications.

Results

Individual results may vary depending on a number of factors, including the patient’s natural breast tissue, the size and type of implant used, and the surgical technique employed. It is critical to have realistic expectations about the outcome of breast augmentation and understand that each patient’s outcome will be unique. It is also important to know that breast implants are not lifetime devices and may require replacement in the future.

If you have any questions or concerns about breast augmentation, please do not hesitate to contact us.