Silicone and Saline Breast Implants
Breast Augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S. Cosmetic surgeons have developed more distinct and specialized ways to help you achieve the look you desire. When it comes to Breast Implant materials, there are two types available: saline and silicone.
Saline Breast Implants
These implants have a silicone rubber shell. The shell is inflated to the chosen size with sterile saline. Most of these implants also have a valve that your plastic surgeon will seal and come in two types:
- Fixed - Filled with the entire volume of saline at implantation
- Adjustable - Has the ability for further operative adjustment in size
Silicone Breast Implants
These implants have a silicone rubber shell and are filled with a permanent amount of silicone gel. Most silicone gel-filled implants are not adjustable and have several variables:
- Shell surface (smooth or textured)
- Implant shape, profile, and volume
Silicone vs. Saline Implants
After the ban on silicone implants was lifted in 2006 by the Food and Drug Administration, both saline and silicone implants became widely used by cosmetic surgeons. They each have specific advantages, so it's important to consult with your cosmetic surgeon about which will best fit your desired results.
- Saline implants are filled with sterile saline water to meet your chosen firmness and shape. An advantage of saline implants is that if the implant shell leaks, your body will absorb the saline.
- Silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel and can look and feel more natural.
Breast Implant surgery techniques are more numerous than ever before. The variety of techniques allows both patient and surgeon to choose the procedure that best suits the individual. As with any major health decision, it's best to consult an experienced plastic surgeon.
If you are in the Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, or Palos Verdes, California area, and would like to learn more about Breast Implants, please contact Bray Plastic Surgery today to schedule your initial consultation.
