For a long time in the United States, the only choice a woman had when
it came to the material used in breast augmentation was a saline
implant. Due to concerns over leaking, the FDA banned the use of
silicone in the early 90s. This band was not lifted for the purposes of
cosmetic surgery until 2006. Now that is has been lifted, women have the
choice once again and many of them are choosing silicone over saline.
Because of the advancements in the technique and the choices available
to the patient, many surgeons agree that now is one of the best times in
history to consider having a breast augmentation procedure done. The
techniques and materials allow doctors to customize an implant to each
patient, giving them the look they desire. Going after the natural “are
they real or not?” type of look? This can be achieved. Going for the
“They’re fake and they’re spectacular” look? That, too, can be achieved.
Women have the choice—all they have to do is meet with a surgeon and
discuss their options.
One of those options, of course, is to choose between silicone and
saline implants. Due to the federal ban, saline implants were of course
ubiquitous and common throughout the 90s and the early part of the
2000s. Women were pleased with their results, but there were complaints.
Chief among them were the potential for saline implants to look
unnatural. Often, there is a certain amount of rippling visible beneath
the skin, which some women were very unhappy about. In women with a lot
of breast tissue, the difference between silicone and saline isn’t
always as noticeable. With women who have very little breast tissue, it
can be very obvious.
Due to continued concerns about the potential health issues surrounding
silicone implants, the age limits are different for silicone and saline.
18 year olds are legally allowed to get saline implants for cosmetic
purposes, while the age of consent for silicone implants is 22. Having
said that, silicone has grown far beyond saline in terms of popularity,
despite the fact that saline is generally thought to be safer and is
often less expensive. This disparate popularity owes much of its
existence to the perception that silicone simply looks and feels better.
If you have been considering breast augmentation, take advantage of the
choices that are out there today. Talk to a surgeon about your options
and make the decisions that will lead to a better appearance and
increased self confidence.
