If you’ve made the decision, whether because of genetics, illness, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations, your breasts are not the shape, size, or firmness you’d like to display, then breast augmentation is an option that may appeal to you. But your decision to have breast implant surgery is only the first step, with many more to follow. A critical choice is choosing the right implant type for your aesthetic needs.
Silicone breast implants are filled with thick, viscous silicone that mimics the appearance and feel of natural breast tissue. Saline implants have a silicone shell filled with a sterile saltwater solution. Each type of implant has pros and cons, and you will need a good understanding of the challenges and benefits of each to make a wise decision for your situation.
Here is some information about both types of implants to help start your breast augmentation journey.
Saline Breast Implants
Many women prefer saline implants because of their safety, efficacy, and shorter incision length. They are inserted into the breast cavity empty, then they are filled to the desired size following proper placement. They are available to women eighteen years and older for breast enhancement.
The Advantages of Saline Breast Implants
The key advantages of saline breast implants include the following:
- Safe Filling—The saline solution core is safe for the body. If a rupture occurs, your body will absorb the saline without adverse effects.
- Easier to Detect Ruptures or Leaks—When considering trauma to the breasts and ruptures, saline implants are easier and faster to detect. This trait allows patients to find medical treatment as quickly as they notice the problem.
- Multiple Incision Options—Saline implants are versatile since more solutions are possible once the device is positioned. That process allows Dr. Lu to perform surgical incisions in less visible areas. This scarless form of breast enhancement is only possible with saline implants.
- Adjust Size— Lu can adjust the size of saline breast implants by adding less or more saline once he places the implant. This advantage helps his patients achieve their cosmetic goals.
- Lower Breast Implant Cost—Saline breast implants cost less than silicone implants.
The Disadvantages of Saline Breast Implants
The disadvantages of saline breast implants include the following:
- Potential for Rippling—Rippling occurs when the breast implant becomes visible through breast tissue and skin. This disadvantage creates a ripple pattern at certain angles, revealing the cosmetic surgery.
- Less Natural Appearance—Saline breast implants are rounder than silicone breast implants, which can cause a less than natural appearance.
- Less Natural Texture—Given a saline solution is liquid rather than gel, the patient’s breast texture may feel less like natural breast tissue when compared to silicone implants.
Silicone Breast Implants
Now let’s take a moment to consider the advantages and disadvantages of silicone breast implants for your aesthetic needs. These implants have a more natural feel and appearance than many saline options.
The Advantages of Silicone Breast Implants
The most commonly mentioned advantages of silicone breast implants over saline include the following:
- Better Feel and Texture—Generally, silicone breast implants feel more like natural breast tissue. This natural firmness is due to the gel composition, which differs from the liquid saline solution.
- More Natural Appearance—Given the nature of silicone gel compared to saline solution, silicone breast implants tend to result in a more natural looking breast appearance.
- Lower Risk of Rippling—Saline breast implants run the risk of rippling, which means ripple lines may occur and be visible on the skin of the breasts. However, this risk is not as much of an issue with silicone breast implants.
The Disadvantages of Silicone Breast Implants
The most commonly mentioned disadvantages of silicone breast implants compared to saline include:
- Scars Located on the Breasts—With silicone breast implants, incisions must be made along the underside of the breasts, in the underarm area, or around the areolas. There are more incision options for saline implants, including hidden incisions in the armpit or navel.
- Ruptures More Difficult to Detect—In the event of a leaking or ruptured breast implant, the silicone gel seeps out slowly, making ruptures more challenging to notice. In addition, saline implants lose volume rapidly in cracks, which allows them to be replaced sooner.
- Health Concerns Following Rupture—If a silicone breast implant does rupture, there are health risks if the silicone gel remains in the body for too long. Saline is much safer in this regard.
Other Factors to Keep In Mind Regarding Implants
In addition to silicone and saline, Dr. Lu will discuss these additional factors when determining an ideal implant:
- Breast Implant Profile—The implant profile refers to how the implant projects forward
- Breast Implant Shape—Breast implants come in either round or teardrop shapes
- Breast Implant Placement— Lu can position implants over or under the pectoral muscle
Tailoring Surgery To Your Needs
There are many considerations to be made when it comes to breast augmentation. During your visit to RL Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Chicago, Dr. Leonard Lu offers customized breast surgery to optimally address your cosmetic goals and needs.
Learn More About Breast Augmentation Surgery
There’s a reason nearly forty percent of RL Center for Cosmetic Surgery patients are referrals. Dr. Lu and his team provide every patient with sound guidance through an informative and compassionate process regardless of budget or areas of concern. This safe, stress-free experience provides our patients with the benefits that leave them excited to share with family and friends.
Our team has decades of combined experience creating beautiful results with breast implants. In fact, RL Center for Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa is one of the few surgical centers in Chicago to use the highly innovative breast implant placements known as the Keller Funnel™️ system for safe and successful implant placement with a smaller incision.
Scheduling Your Consultation Is Easy
Contact us online or by phone at (847) 367-8815 to book your appointment for a day and time that’s convenient for you.
