Silicone vs. Saline Breast Implants

Carmel and Indianapolis, Indiana

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular procedures performed in cosmetic surgery.  Women who wish to improve their breast size and shape are typical patients for breast enhancement surgery. The modern age of breast augmentation began in the 1960s with the development of the silicone gel implant by Cronin and the inflatable saline implant by Jenny.  Since then, breast implants have become one of the most studied of medical devices on the market, and have undergone a number of modifications to make them safer, longer-lasting, and more natural-looking than ever.

In 1992, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) put a temporary moratorium on silicone breast implants due to concerns about a possible connection to breast cancer and autoimmune disorders. After extensive study, no link was found, and in 2006 the FDA re-approved silicone breast implants for use in cosmetic breast augmentation. Since then, silicone breast implants have resurged in popularity, but are they right for you?

The best way to decide which implants are right for you is to discuss it in person with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Richard B. Linderman. You can call or email us to schedule your consultation. The following, though, is a basic guide to help you start your thinking.

Saline Breast Implant

Saline breast implants became popular during the moratorium on silicone breast implants and remain a good choice for many women. They may be the right implant for you if:

• You have adequate breast tissue to cover the implant or are considering submuscular placement
• You are trying to correct asymmetry and might want adjustment during or following surgery.
• Are looking for a smaller incision (1 1/2 in vs.2 in)
• You would prefer if the implant deflates upon rupture.
• You are looking for a less expensive breast implant option.
• You are over 18 but under 22.

Most report that saline implants do not look and feel as natural as silicone breast implants, but they still provide great results in appropriate candidates. One of the advantages of saline implants is the ability to detect implant rupture or deflation.  When a deflation occurs, the implants flatten like a tire and the body safely absorbs the saline. Deflated implants are easily replaced often under local anesthesia. For most saline implants, the deflation rate is around 5 percent over a ten-year period. Current implants are covered by a lifetime replacement warranty provided by the manufacturers.

View the breast augmentation photo gallery.

Silicone Breast Implant

Silicone gel implants have a similar outer shell as saline implants. Since re-approved in 2006, they have become much more popular, and today the majority of patients request them. They may be the right implant for you if:

• You are trying to get the best results from subglandular placement or have very sparse breast tissue.
• The improved results are worth additional cost to you.
• You do not mind a longer incision (2 in vs. 1.5 in)
• You would prefer it if your breast implant did not deflate after rupture.
• You are age 22 or older.

In contrast to saline implants, the shell is filled with a silicone gel, which has a higher viscosity and more natural feel than saline. Recent modifications of the gel have made it more cohesive so that if a rupture were to occur, the gel tends not to migrate. Modification of the outer shell has eliminated “gel bleed” or migration of microscopic amounts of gel through the outer shell. Silicone gel implants tend to have a more natural feel, but require a larger incision of about five cm to insert the implants. Rupture of a silicone gel implant is more difficult to determine and may require an MRI scan to evaluate. The FDA recommends MRIs three years after surgery and every two years after that. Silicone gel implants are also more expensive.

A new type of highly cohesive gel implant may soon be released in the United States. This "Gummy Bear" implant will be available in many anatomic shapes and has been available in Europe for several years. The gel in somewhat firmer than current implants and natural lateral displacement when lying down does not occur. A larger access incision is required. Although new, they will not be the implant for every patient but do add another cosmetic choice.

Learn more about silicone breast implants - are they the right choice for you?

Learn more about breast augmentation incisions

If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, contact Dr. Linderman at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Indiana for a free initial consultation to see if you are a candidate for this popular procedure. Dr. Linderman is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with over thirty years of experience.  He has performed over 5000 breast augmentations.

Before & After Photos

 

• Facelift
• Body Contouring
• Breast Augmentation
  • History of Breast Augmentation
• Breast Lift
• Breast Implant Revision Surgery
• Breast Reduction
• Liposuction
  • History of Liposuction
  • Male Liposcution
• Tummy Tuck
  • History of Abdominoplasty
• Eyelid Surgery
• Brow Lift Surgery
• Rhinoplasty
• Skin Care
• Soft Tissue Injectibles
  • BOTOX/DYSPORT
  • Restylane/Perlane & Radiesse
• Combining Surgeries
• Extreme Makeover
• Questions
• Cosmetic Surgery Blog

 

Message

* denotes required field | Privacy Policy

learn more