The type of breast implant used is one of the most important decisions facing patients undergoing breast augmentation. Silicone and saline implants both offer significant advantages for breast augmentation and are both associated with high satisfaction rates.
Although it’s hard to tell the difference between saline and silicone when looking at patients, there is a significant difference in how they feel. This difference is especially noticeable in women who have minimal amounts of breast tissue.Silicone implants offer several advantages over saline implants. The most important advantage is how they feel. There is no doubt that they feel more natural than saline implants especially when there is minimal breast tissue present. In addition, silicone implants are less likely to cause rippling than saline implants.
Saline breast implants also offer several advantages. They can be placed through smaller incisions because they are not filled when inserted. The volume can be adjusted and in patients with asymmetry, this offers a significant advantage. In addition, patients don’t have to worry about the lingering silicone controversy when saline implants are used.
Finally, saline implants are less expensive than silicone implants and for many patients affordability is extremely important.
It’s extremely important that patients be educated about the advantages and disadvantages of each type of implant. For some patients, having a natural feel is their primary concern and silicone is the best choice. Other patients worry about safety and the silicone controversy and saline is the obvious choice for them. It’s essential that the patient be involved in the decision. Ultimately, high satisfaction rates are associated with both types of implants.
