Many women want to have breast enhancement surgery, while others need breast reconstruction surgery. Both require breast implants.

There are two types to choose from – silicone and saline – when it comes to breast enhancement surgery. Both types achieve similar results and are approved by FDA, there are pluses and minuses for both implant materials.

Below is more information about these types of implants and which ones are safer.

Saline Implants

Saline breast implants have been in use since the 1960s. Their outer shell is made from silicone, but the shell is empty. When it is placed in the breast, it’s filled with sterile saltwater, and the incision is smaller with less scarring. These implants tend to cost less than silicone.

One of the disadvantages of saline is that some women say they can be seen more easily under the skin, which can cause rippling. Others say they can feel the solution sloshing around as they move.

There also are baffled saline implants with the saltwater in different chambers, so the water cannot move as easily. Saline implants are considered safe and effective for women 18 and older.

Silicone Implants

These implants are made entirely of silicone, a synthetic material that feels like human fat. The products have a case made from silicone filled with a silicone gel.

Silicone implants come in various sizes and shapes. Some implants are firmer and more cohesive than others. Some of these are referred to as ‘gummy bear’ implants. You and your plastic surgeon can talk about which type of implant is best for your goals.

Some patients think that silicone breast implants look and feel more natural. However, there are safety concerns if a silicone implant ruptures.

That’s why manufacturers recommend having an MRI every few years to check for silicone implant ruptures. If you opt for silicone implants, speak to your doctor about setting up these screenings and when you should have them.

You have to be at least 22 to have silicone implants unless it’s for breast reconstruction. Also, it’s legal to have silicone implants when you’re under 22, but most implant manufacturers do not honor warranties with patients that young.

Safety Of Breast Implants

Silicone and saline breast implants are considered safe if an experienced, board-certified surgeon performs your surgery.

Some believe that saline breast implants are safer; if the implant ruptures, most saline solution is absorbed by the body. Also, with saline, you know immediately if there was a rupture, and you can take action. Revision surgery may be required.

Research is mixed, but some clinical studies suggest a connection between silicone breast implants and autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Both silicone and saline implants are made with silicone shells, so you may not want to have breast implants if you have an autoimmune problem.

Some women have a variety of medical problems known as breast implant illness or BII. The symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, brain fog, aches, pains, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

There isn’t any direct evidence that any breast implants cause BII, but some patients say removing the breast implants made their symptoms disappear.

Also, there is some correlation between anaplastic large cell lymphoma and some types of breast implants. The ones that seem to have this problem are textured or rough surface implants. This cancer is usually detected about 10 years after breast implant surgery.

Implant Ruptures

While ruptures are rare, this can happen with either implant. Here’s what to look for if an implant ruptures:

Saline

You’ll probably notice a saline implant rupture immediately because the breast will deflate. Fortunately, saline is sterile, and your body will easily absorb it. You’ll probably need surgery to take out the silicone shell.

During this surgery, your surgeon can put in a new implant.

Silicone

Silicone ruptures are tougher to detect, and the silicone can get stuck in the fibrous capsule that forms around your implant after surgery. This is called a silent leak, but you could feel a slight change in the breast feel or size.

If the implant is left alone, leaking silicone can cause pain or changes to the breast shape. You’ll need revision surgery to replace the implant. Or, you can have the implant removed and return your breasts to their normal size. Some people as they get older, choose to have their implants removed and have a breast reduction.

Breast implants last about 15 years before there is a significant chance of rupture.

Overall, remember that neither saline nor silicone implants is guaranteed to last for life. About 20% of patients need to have their implants replaced after eight or 10 years. This could be due to ruptures or aesthetic reasons. Usually, removal surgery isn’t covered by health insurance.

Also, if you are worried about the safety of breast implants, consider a breast lift or fat transfer breast enhancement. This procedure uses liposuction to remove fat from another area, which is injected into the breasts for a small size increase.

Request A Breast Augmentation Consultation Today

Interested in a Las Vegas breast augmentation? Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Rachel Mason today! She will review the options with you about breast augmentation, your goals and help determine if you’re an ideal candidate for this procedure.

References

• Saline Vs. Silicone Breast Implants. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/breast-implants/art-20045957
• What To Know About Breast Implants. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-know-about-breast-implants