Are you wondering about the differences between various breast implants? Both saline and silicone breast implants are available on the market today, and with the team at Berardi Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, we encourage patients to take the time to learn about the benefits and disadvantages of each. Dr. Joseph C. Berardi and his team are committed to ensuring patients have the information they need to make an educated decision regarding the implants they prefer.
While both saline and silicone breast implants have a silicone shell, the material and consistency of the implants with silicone or saline will vary.
• Saline implants – saline is a sterile salt water. Breast implants filled with saline are inserted empty and then filled by the surgeon when in place. These implants are best for any woman above the age of 18 for breast augmentation, and may be used by women of all ages for breast reconstruction after certain breast cancer treatments. One concern with saline implants is rupture. When a saline implant ruptures, the implant itself deflates. The leaking saline solution will be absorbed by the body without any consequences regarding health risks. It is obvious when a saline implant ruptures and patients will need to visit a plastic surgeon to have the silicone shell removed and, if desired, replace with a new implant during the same procedure.
• Silicone implants – silicone implants are prefilled with silicone gel, a fluid that mimics the feel of natural breast tissues. The rupture of silicone implants is not as noticeable as saline implants. This is because the silicone gel is thicker and tends to remaining the breast tissues. This is often called a “silent” rupture, and some women may not even know that it has occurred. However, patients may experience problems such as breast pain, breast thickening, or changes to the shape and size of their breast. Silicone implant ruptures will require the removal of the implant by a plastic surgeon, at which point patients can consider replacement as well.
Request a visit today to learn more about breast implants
If you live in the area of Scottsdale, AZ and want to learn more about the advantages of these procedures, we welcome you to book a consultation visit with our professionals by calling (480) 397-0711.
