Breast Implants: Silicone vs. Saline

Fairfield County : Norwalk, Connecticut and Surrounding Areas

Woman who have small or uneven breasts, or whose breasts are less full after weight loss or pregnancy, may want to consider cosmetic enhancement of their breasts to improve their body image and boost self-confidence. Such a procedure is called breast augmentation. One option for breast augmentation is the breast implant, which involves surgically increasing breast size by placing soft sacs filled with fluid or gel under breast tissue, in front of or behind the chest muscle.

There are two types of breast implants. Both consist of soft silicone (plastic) shells that are filled with another substance. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water, or saline. Silicone implants are filled with a gel of silicone, a biocompatible plastic. There are advantages and disadvantages to each.

Saline Implants

 

• Are filled at the time of surgery, so a smaller incision is required
• Allow for small adjustments in size during surgery
• Come in different shapes, to help better achieve your desired shape
• By law, are available to women ages 18 and over
• May occasionally rupture, but deflate quickly so rupture is detected fast, and saline is quickly reabsorbed by the body
• Do not require special monitoring over time to detect ruptures

Silicone Implants

 

• Are pre-filled, so require a longer incision
• Don’t allow for adjustments in size during surgery
• Feel softer and look more natural to most women
• By law, are only available to women ages 22 and over
• May occasionally rupture, but “silently” since they don’t deflate right away
• Require special monitoring over time to detect ruptures: an MRI every other year starting the third year is recommended

Implants come in different shapes (round vs. long) and textures (rough vs. smooth).
Whichever type of implant you choose, remember that breast implants do not last forever. At a later time, you may want to have your implants replaced or removed, and this will change the shape of your breasts. Sometimes a capsule of scar tissue forms around the implant, contracting and compressing it and making the implant feel firmer than before. This process, called capsular contracture, may require additional surgery to correct.

After breast implantation, you should continue to have regular mammograms. Be aware that having implants may require you to have additional X-ray views taken, and your doctor may recommend additional tests such as ultrasound or MRI.

Newer Silicone Implants

You may have heard that silicone breast implants were taken off the market by the FDA several years ago. Reintroduced in 1992, the newer silicone implants have been extensively studied and determined to be safe. Their use is supported by both the American Society for Plastic Surgery and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

An improved type of silicone implant, the so-called “gummy bear” implant, is currently being studied to make sure it is safe and effective. The silicone inside the “gummy bear” is a more cohesive gel, so it is hoped that the implant will retain its shape longer than other types of implants.

For more information, or to schedule a initial consultation, please contact Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Dr. Rick Rosen, M.D., F.A.C.S. today to schedule your no-cost initial consultation.