Breast Enlargement - Comparing Silicone and Saline Implants

Before you choose which one to use it is important that you fully understand the pros and cons of each one and select the one that will be of the best benefit for your particular needs and body type.

Silicone implants have remained highly popular for a variety of reasons. Many patients and plastic surgeons feel that the silicone implants are more realistic looking and feeling than saline implants. One of the reasons why silicone breast enlargement feels more natural than saline implants is because the silicon gel has a texture that is similar to natural breast tissue. On the con side of the equation, silicone implants require a larger incision to implant because they come pre filled unlike saline which can be filled after they are inserted. This means a larger potential scar on the breast, even if the surgeon is careful to hide the scar in the natural crease of the breast.

Saline implants, on the other hand have a few obvious advantages over silicone. For example, they can be filled after they are surgically inserted unlike the prefilled silicone implants. This means a smaller incision and a smaller scar. Another advantage of saline implants over silicone is the fact that the some saline implants allow for post surgery adjustment in size. Implants that can have saline added or drained after surgery to make any minor adjustments that may be needed, give both the patient and the physician some wiggle room for error. And of course the most toted advantage to saline implants is the fact that when a saline implant leaks it is obvious. The ruptured implant can then be dealt with quickly to be replaced or removed. Silicon leaks on the other hand are less obvious than saline leaks, and may not be noticed at all unless a MRI is performed. Plus many patients feel that saline is a safer foreign substance to enter the body if an implant ruptures than silicone.

Which ever implant type you and your doctor ultimately decide on, you should make sure that your expectations of your breast enlargement surgery are based on facts and are realistic. Make sure you research information about the different type of implants on the market thoroughly and discuss your concerns with your surgeon for accurate answers.