Breast Implants - Making the Choice
Many women have made the decision to get a breast augmentation without much knowledge of what is involved in the procedure. There are so many variables involved with breast implants, so even after deciding to actually have the surgery, there are still more decisions to make. Understanding breast implant choices can make a big difference in the results of a breast augmentation.
There are two types of breast implants: saline and silicone. Many patients prefer silicone implants because they tend to look and feel more natural than saline. While this is true,
there are a few drawbacks to using this more natural-looking option. First, the silicone solution used to fill the breast implant is not natural to the body.
Therefore, it would be difficult to detect a rupture by simply examining the breasts for a deflated look. Instead, patients with these breast implants must undergo an MRI at least once yearly to detect any ruptures. Otherwise, the silicone could travel throughout the body, causing adverse health effects. Saline is a more natural solution that the body can absorb. Therefore, although they are less natural-looking, there is less concern with maintenance.
Choosing between a silicone or saline breast implant will also depend on the patient's overall body type. Silicone implants come pre-filled, so they might not be ideal for a patient who would like a much larger breast size. This is because it can be difficult to fit the larger implant into a small breast cavity. There can be complications associated with making a large enough incision, as well as allowing the skin to stretch and fit the implant comfortably. Saline breast implants are not pre-filled, which allows more flexibility for both the patient and the surgeon. They are filled with the saline solution only after the implant has been placed in the breast cavity.
Although many patients will have a good idea of the size they would like to achieve with a breast augmentation, there may be some restrictions.As previously mentioned, women with smaller breast cavities are typically restricted to adding only one cup size to their breasts. A small breast cavity will have less skin to cover and securely place the breast implant. Furthermore, many patients may not realize how much larger the breasts will be when going from one cup size to the next.
There is a price difference that will be the final factor in the choice between silicone or saline for a breast augmentation procedure. Silicone tends to cost a little more. And if you're interested in dramatically larger breasts, the price will increase with the overall volume.
