When choosing between silicone or saline breast implants, it’s important to consider the benefits and risks with each one. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They are inserted empty and then filled once they are in place. Unlike saline implants, silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel. The FDA requires that women be at least 18 years old to undergo a breast augmentation with saline implants and at least 22 years old to receive silicone implants.
Saline Implants
If a saline implant leaks, the shell will collapse and the saline will be naturally expelled by the body. Usually, surgery is required to replace the implant. Saline implants provide a uniform shape and firmness.
Silicone Implants
Most women think that silicone implants look and feel more like natural breast tissue than saline implants. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain inside the shell or can escape into the surrounding tissue. A leaking silicone implant will not collapse. Leaking silicone gel isn’t thought to cause health problems such as breast cancer, reproductive problems, or connective tissue disease. But your cosmetic surgeon will probably recommend that a leaking implant be replaced.
Factors to Consider
- Breast implants to not prevent sagging. You may need a breast lift in addition to a breast augmentation.
- Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime. Implant rupture, weight gain, or weight loss may lead to additional surgeries.
- Breast implants may complicate mammograms. Special x-ray views may be required.
- You may need routine MRI scans. The FDA recommends that a silicone breast implants should be monitored with a routine MRI every two years, starting three years after the surgery.
- You may not be able to breastfeed. Some women are able to breast feed after receiving breast implants while others are not.
If you are considering a breast augmentation and are trying to decide between saline or silicone implants, your cosmetic surgeon will be able to help you make an educated decision. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. Contact Aesthetics International USA for a free consultation with our board certified surgeon today! Call 678.691.0880.
