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Breast Implant Types

Posted May 28, 2018 in Breast Implant

Woman planning to have a breast implantWomen who are interested in enhancing the size and shape of their breasts often look toward implants. The most popular types of breast augmentation and reconstruction implants are saline and silicone. Whether you choose saline or silicone implants, both of these options enhance the appearance of your breasts making you feel beautiful and confident.

Similarities

Saline and silicone implants both have an outer shell made of silicone that is either smooth or textured. Smooth surface implants allow for them to move around more freely and naturally inside the body. Textured implants allow for soft tissue ingrowth while keeping the implant firmly in place. This can help in preventing shifting of the implant and scar tissue formation.

Each implant can be inserted either above or below the pectoral muscles. The size, volume, and shape of breast implants are very patient specific and can depend on your body size and desired results. Both saline and silicone implants offer a natural look and feel when inserted correctly.

Saline

Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution. They are inserted and then filled with saline to the desired volume. Saline implants often:

  • Feel firmer than silicone
  • Are less expensive
  • Have no risk of silent rupture

Should there be a rupture, saline implants are more accessible to the surgeon, making the implant correction easier than a silicone implant. Saline implants are best suited for patients who have more breast tissue because it minimizes the risk of implant rippling.

Silicone

Silicone implants are filled with viscous silicone gel. Gummy bear implants are filled with an even thicker silicone gel that is more effective at holding its shape in the event of a rupture. In theory, silicone gel implants may not leak. They can be inserted above or below the pectoral muscle.

Silicone implants often require a longer incision than saline options, which increases the likelihood of visible scarring. The implants are pre-filled with silicone gel, and the size cannot be adjusted once they are inserted. There is a smaller risk of implant rippling with silicone gel breast implants.

For more information regarding breasts implants, please call our office at (716) 631-1220, or schedule a consultation with us today.