Medically Reviewed By: J. Keith Rose, MD
Most Corpus Christi women who are considering breast augmentation surgery know that they can choose between saline and silicone implants. But, what’s the difference between these two implant types? Is one better than the other? Which type of breast implant is right for you? Read on as Dr. Rose of Corpus Christi’s Rose Cosmetic Surgery Center explains the differences between getting a breast augmentation with saline and silicone implants, so you can help determine which implant type is best for you.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are made up of an outer silicone shell but are inserted into the breast implant pocket rolled up and deflated. This allows saline implants to be inserted through a variety of incisions. Once saline implants are inserted into the breast implant pocket, they are filled with saline, or sterile salt water, to a pre-determined amount to give you the size of breast implants that you desire.
There are many reasons that Corpus Christi women like saline implants for breast augmentation surgeries. First, they are less expensive then silicone implants and can be introduced into the breast pocket through a variety of incisions. Second, they are available to Corpus Christi women as young as 18 years old. Finally, if saline implants rupture, you’ll know immediately as your body instantly absorbs the completely harmless saline solution.
However, saline implants do have some drawbacks, too. First, they are more likely to show visible rippling through the skin, however this problem can be reduced by placing them under the pectoralis muscle. Second, they do not feel as natural as silicone implants do. Many Corpus Christi women with saline implants describe them as feeling like firm water balloons. Finally, since saline implants are heavier than silicone implants, there is a higher risk of downward displacement, especially in women who are already seeing their breasts sag.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are very popular for amongst Corpus Christi women for breast augmentation surgeries. These implants, which are pre-filled with silicone, are typically inserted through incisions on the breast, either directly underneath the breast (an inframammary incision) or through the nipple (a periareolar incision). Because silicone breast implants are placed into the breast pocket through an incision on the breast, it is much easier for Dr. Rose to ensure that your Corpus Christi breast augmentation will provide even, symmetrical results.
Corpus Christi women choose silicone breast implants for several reasons. First, the silicone is a gummy-like substance and mimics the natural feel of breasts more than saline implants do. Second, they tend to provide more natural looking results, something that many Corpus Christi breast augmentation patients are wanting. Dr. Rose also uses the new Mentor Memory Shape silicone implant (gummy bear implants) that are made of a more cohesive gel and provide for better breast lift and position in some patients.
A breast augmentation with silicone implants does have one drawback. Silicone implants are typically more expensive than saline implants.
Which Implant Type is Right for Me?
If you’re considering a Corpus Christi breast augmentation with Dr. Rose, there are a variety of factors that you need to consider. And one of them is whether you will choose saline or silicone implants. While we’ve provided you with a list of pros and cons of each implant type, you may still have questions. The best way to answer those questions is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rose at Rose Cosmetic Surgery Center in Corpus Christi. During your consultation with Dr. Rose, he will explain the breast augmentation procedure to you thoroughly, and answer any questions you have about your desired implant type.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Rose, call (361) 651-1200.
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