Saline or Silicone Breast Implants?
Once you have made the decision to have breast enlargement surgery, your next decision is what type of implants to chose. For years, the only option was saline. Silicone implants have only been re-approved by the FDA since 2006, but are gaining in popularity because most patients believe they feel more natural than saline.
Saline
Saline breast implants are silicone casings filled with saline. These are the most commonly used breast implants in the United States. Their popularity in part is because they are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes that provide a realistic cosmetic appearance. Most of these implants have a valve that is sealed by the surgeon during the plastic surgery procedure. A fixed volume saline implant is completely filled at the time of surgery. Adjustable volume implants are filled during surgery, but have the potential for post operative adjustments in volume.
Silicone
Silicone breast implants are also silicone casings, or shells, but are filled with a silicone gel instead of saline. Each implant carries a patch with manufacturing data. They can vary in the shell surface, ranging from smooth to textured, the thickness of the shell, as well as shape, volume and profile.
In the 1990’s silicone implants were linked to connective tissue diseases, cancer and other illnesses. The Institute of Medicine, however, concluded that there is no definitive evidence linking silicone breast implants to any of these illnesses. Silicone implants are not limited to the breasts, but are routinely used in all parts of the body.
The silicone breast implants being used today are considered to be much safer and more aesthetically pleasing than the ones used in the past.
Choosing the best type of implant is a matter of personal preference. While saline implants may have a more natural appearance, silicone implants offer a more natural feel.
Tags: Breast Implants, Saline