Breast Implants: Saline vs. Silicone, The Pros and Cons of Each

Breast augmentation is used to increase a patient’s breast size by placing implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles. For some women, implants are a wonderful way to feel more confident about their bodies. For others, implants play an important role in rebuilding the breast after cancer treatment or other trauma. Since selecting the ideal implant is a high priority in planning this procedure, VIP Plastic Surgery gives patients the resources they need to make the right decision.

Augmentation surgery helps individuals reclaim a younger and fuller bustline. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi assists patients in selecting the breast implants that meet their aesthetic goals. Read on to learn about saline vs. silicone implants, as well as breast implant safety. When you are ready to achieve a new figure, contact our Las Vegas, NV, office to schedule your consultation.

Your breast implant consultation

During their breast augmentation consultation, patients are free to discuss their goals and preferences for breast size, feel, and appearance. Dr. Khorsandi will describe specific types of implants, such as saline or silicone, textured or smooth, and round or teardrop-shaped, along with options for surgical techniques. At this time, patients can bring up any questions or concerns they may have about each type of implant. An examination of your current body proportions will give us a better idea of which implant types you qualify for. VIP Plastic Surgery has access to Vectra 3D imaging technology, so patients can visualize their potential outcome before the surgery.

Saline vs. silicone breast implants

Saline and silicone breast implants are both effective for adding fullness to the chest. Cancer survivors can also receive breast reconstruction with either implant following a mastectomy. While both implant types have an outer silicone shell, they differ in material and consistency. Saline breast implants are inserted into the breasts before being filled with a sterile saline solution. This allows the size of the implants to be adjusted as needed during surgery. Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel and provide a natural look in women with small breast tissue. The FDA has approved silicone implants for patients over the age of 22, and saline implants for individuals over the age of 18.

Pros of breast implants

One of the many pros of getting breast implants is the variety of size and shape options. We all recognize the standard cup sizes for bras — A, B, C, D, and up — but breast implants are not measured the same way. Size is chosen based on the amount of saline or silicone implanted, also known as cubic centimeters (cc). Measuring in cubic centimeters allows physicians and plastic surgeons to make more accurate estimates about the outcome of the surgery. Since each patient is unique, Dr. Khorsandi can make recommendations about the appropriate volume based on your frame and proportions.

As for shape, round and teardrop-shaped breast implants are available for breast augmentation patients in Las Vegas, NV. Round implants tend to add more fullness to the top of the breast, which most patients find desirable. Teardrop-shaped implants, on the other hand, mimic the overall contour and feel of female breasts. No matter the size or shape, both saline and silicone implants offer breast implant safety for augmentation and reconstruction. Find out more about the pros of breast implants by contacting our office.

Cons of breast implants

One of the cons of getting breast implants is the possibility of implant rupture. Implant rupture can occur for many reasons, but it's often a matter of the implant’s outer shell weakening due to age. This is why it is recommended for implants to be replaced or removed every 10 – 20 years. When a saline implant ruptures, a patient will notice the change right away. Though the solution will leak out, it will be safely absorbed by the body. The ruptured breast will also appear deflated and smaller than the other breast. To correct this issue, Dr. Khorsandi can perform revision surgery.

It is more difficult to know when a silicone implant ruptures since the silicone material generally holds shape even if the outer shell has been compromised. This phenomenon is called a silent rupture. A ruptured silicone implant may eventually cause discomfort in the breast or changes in the breast contour or shape. If you believe you have a rupture for any reason, Dr. Khorsandi can order an MRI or ultrasound to see if the implant is intact or whether surgery is required for replacement.

Learn more about the pros and cons of breast implants

There’s no doubt that improved confidence is one of the biggest pros of breast implants. Many women fall in love with their new gorgeous curves after breast augmentation surgery. Whether you choose saline or silicone implants, the team at VIP Plastic Surgery can reshape the breasts to create a fuller look. Dr. Christopher Khorsandi is an award-winning physician who provides women with medical-grade saline and silicone implants for the best outcome possible. Find out more about the pros and cons of breast implants, along with breast implant safety, at our Las Vegas plastic surgery facility.