Breast implants come in all shapes and sizes in order to produce a specific result. This range of options also extends down to the filling that gives the implant its volume and feel: saline, a sterile saltwater solution, and silicone, a gel designed to mimic the feel of human tissue. Saline and silicone implants produce different results and have different effects on the results of your breast augmentation procedure.
Look
Each type of implant affects the appearance of the breasts differently. Silicone’s soft nature allows it to fit into the breast’s natural shape while enhancing its size, creating a more lifelike appearance. Saline implants are a little more rigid, causing a rounder, less natural look in larger implants.
Your choice of material should factor in how the size of the implant will affect the overall appearance of the breast. Saline looks natural when used in for smaller, rounder implants or moderately-sized, teardrop-shaped implants. If you want a much more dramatic result from your augmentation procedure, we recommend silicone to meet your goals and create a natural appearance.
Feel
Silicone implants tend to feel more natural than saline. Whereas saline only shifts so much underneath the breast tissue, silicone is much more flexible.
However, this difference may not be noticeable depending upon the size of the implant. Smaller implants have more natural breast tissue covering them, so a small implant—silicone or saline—will not be as easy to feel as a large implant. If you only want a slight adjustment to your breast’s size, the difference in how the implants feel will most likely not be an issue.
Comfort and Longevity
There are also other factors to consider: how comfortable the implant is to have throughout daily life, and how durable the implant is.
Saline implants are usually more comfortable. This is because they have a smoother texture, so it is less noticeable if they shift out of place. Additionally, should the implant rupture for any reason, the saline solution is absorbed by the body; while you wait for an appointment to receive a replacement implant, the comfort you experience with a saline implant should not change.
Conversely, silicone implants are much more durable. There can still be a risk of rupture, but silicone implants are much less likely to break. Additionally, if you had received a form stable silicone implant and it ruptured, the implant would retain its shape for a short while. It will have to be replaced eventually, just as saline would, but the cosmetic benefit of your breast augmentation would not diminish as quickly.
Contact Us for Breast Augmentation
Mahjouri Cosmetic Surgery & Skincare Clinic provides breast augmentation procedures to patients in Fridley, Minneapolis, Anoka, and the surrounding communities.
For a consultation on which breast implant is right for you, contact us today!