Women undergo breast augmentation for many reasons, including to correct asymmetry, replace volume loss after breastfeeding or weight loss, increase the size of small breasts, or to change breast shape. Whatever your reasons, you may ask which is better, silicone or saline implants. Rodeo Surgical Art has your answer.
Silicone or Saline: What’s the Difference?
Both silicone or saline breast implants augment a woman’s breast shape and/or size. The procedure itself involves placing the implants behind the breast, or subglandular region, or behind the chest muscle, or submuscular placement. Whether or not to have silicone or saline implants depends on various factors, not the least of which is the patient’s choice for what works best for them.
Implants come in a range of base widths, projection size, and fill volumes to account for the different shapes and silhouettes a patient desires most. The shell of all implants is made of silicone with either a smooth or textured surface. Smooth implants roll subtly in the breast pocket, which mimics natural breast movement. Textured implants encourage the soft tissues to adhere to their surface, holding the implant to keep it from shifting out of place. The best match is something you discuss in-depth with Dr. David Mashhadian to ensure the final result is everything you hope it will be.
Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater. During your procedure, the shell is inserted and then filled to the desired volume. Saline’s movement is not as natural as existing breast tissue, so the sensation may take some getting used to, and if your skin is very thin, there’s a chance the folds of the implant may be seen or felt from the outside. This is known as “rippling” or “wrinkling,” and the volume of the solution may help minimize this. In the event of a rupture, your body will absorb the saline without significant risk to your health. Saline implants may also be adjustable following recovery via a remote injection port to fine-tune the volume of the implant.
Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel. Thicker than saline, silicone moves differently within its shell, creating a more natural look that feels more like breast tissue. Silicone gel implants have come a long way since the late 1960s with advancements in how the silicone molecules are cross-linked. Softer, thinner gels are more malleable because their links are fewer and farther between. These are typical of routine augmentations. Stiffer, thicker gels with more cross-links closer together are often used in the post-mastectomy reconstruction. For those who’ve had implant replacements due to rippling or wrinkling, an intermediate thickness is also available. A ruptured silicone implant does not necessarily mean health risks, but it may cause pain, thickening, or changes in breast shape and size.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Only you can decide if breast augmentation is right for you. A comprehensive consultation with Dr. Mashhadian can answer your questions about which kind of implant and placement would best suit your needs.
At Rodeo Surgical Arts, we use the most advanced techniques to reduce risk, minimize complications, and enhance procedural outcomes. With Recovery EXL™, Dr. Mashhadian’s proprietary combination of medications and surgical techniques, your recovery is smoother and you’re on your feet faster than ever, often without requiring narcotic pain management. Your comfort and satisfaction our top priorities at Rodeo Surgical Art.
Take the Next Step
Take the Next Step – Request A Consultation
To schedule your in-person breast augmentation consultation, call Rodeo Surgical Art at (310) 652-4500. We look forward to hearing from you!
