Breast Implants: Silicone or Saline?

Over the past couple of years, we have had the opportunity to discuss
Breast Augmentation with hundreds of women and it seems to us a few
questions are asked by just about everyone. One of the most common
questions is “What’s the difference between saline and silicone
implants?”

Ultimately, the choice of saline or silicone implants is yours. Many
women feel silicone implants look and feel more natural. However,
there are other important considerations as well: body type, implant
placement (over or under the pectoral muscle) and fill volume.
Typically, thin women with small to moderate natural breasts with
above muscle placement are going to prefer the look and feel of
silicone. In the long term, silicone implants weigh less than saline
and will cause less sagging. On the downside, silicone implants cost
more and require a slightly larger incision. Also, in the rare event that
a silicone implant leaks, it is difficult to
detect.

Size and placement of the incision is understandably a common concern
among patients. There are several different surgical approaches
including periaerolar (around the nipple), tranaxillary (through the
arm pit) and inframammary (the bottom of the breast where the breast
tissue meets the chest wall). Each approach has its advantages and
disadvantages. Size of incision varies. Saline implants are placed
“unfilled” and typically can be fit through a 2.5 cm incision.
Silicone implants are “filled” and incision size depends on the size
of the implant and the ability to safely compress it. Larger silicone implants
can require incision up to 5-6cm. Here at GLOW we principally use the
inframammary approach as we find it is well hidden, heals well and
allows us the necessary access for proper implant placement. With the
recent addition of the Keller funnel to our practice, we have reduced
silicone incision size to 3-4 cm and as a result seen an increase in
the number of women choosing silicone implants.

The decision to undergo breast augmentation is a personal one and
women understandably spend a great deal of time researching their
options. If you would like more information regarding what to expect
during and after your procedure, please visit our web page atwww.glowskinrevived.com