Saline Implants and Silicone Implants

Carmel, Fishers, and Indianapolis, Indiana

Safety Issues Related to Saline and Silicone Implants

When choosing to undergo breast augmentation surgery, it is important to know the safety issues related to both saline and silicone implants. At Dr. Linderman's cosmetic surgery facility in Indianapolis, Indiana one of our specialty areas is breast augmentations. This assures that our patients will receive the best possible information and care available to them.

Saline Implants

Saline implants offer a certain level of safety that silicone implants cannot in the event of a rupture or leak. Saline is essentially salt water. If there is a rupture or leak, the solution from the implant will be absorbed by the body.

Also, in the case of a rupture or leak of a saline implant, the problem is noticed more quickly because the implant shrinks as the fluid leaks out. When placing saline implants, the surgeon is able to make smaller incisions because the implants can be filled after they have been placed, making breast augmentation recovery quicker and easier.

• Saline implants may require replacement if deflation occurrs. Over 10 years the incidence of implant deflation is 3-4%
• In some cases, the movement of the saline can feel uncomfortable
• Saline implants are heavier than silicone and can lead to discomfort in women with larger implant

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are much safer than they were prior to 1992. They can be an option if your cosmetic surgeon feels that you meet certain criteria required by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

Silicone is used to form the shells of a silicone implant and silicone gel is used to fill the implant. One safety advantage of using silicone implants is the use of cohesive silicone gel. Even if the shell ruptures, the gel is much thicker than saline, so it retains its shape and leakage happens much slower so less of the fluid escapes before detection.

Safety disadvantages with silicone implants may include the following:

• Ruptures are not as quickly noticed because the implant retains its shape longer
• Leaking can cause lumps where the silicone settle
• Capsular contracture mayoccur more often with silicone implants

The choice between using saline or silicone implants in breast augmentation surgery should be discussed at length between you and your cosmetic surgeon. There are many points to consider with each and you should be fully knowledgeable of everything before making any final decisions. To learn more about breast implants, please contact Dr. Richard B. Linderman at his Indianapolis, Indiana office today.

 

 

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