saline or silicone Breast implants?

T here are advantages and disadvantages to both saline and silicone gel filled breast implants.  The good news is that all the present scientific evidence finds no correlation between breast implants and systemic disease in humans.  Hence, the reintroduction of silicone gel implants into the United States without restrictions.

The advantages of gel breast implants include a much softer feel and in many cases a more natural appearance.  Additionally, there is very little chance of visible rippling with silicone implants making them a more ideal solution in thinner patients with little breast or subcutaneous coverage.  A small disadvantage to the gel breast implant would be the somewhat larger incision required (5 cm vs 4cm), which in most cases necessitates the inframammary approach.  Also, gel implants are somewhat more expensive. 

An advantage of saline breast implants over gel implants is that they can be placed through smaller incisions which allows for more incision options.  Additionally because they are filled at the time of insertion, minor breast asymmetries can be improved by differential filling of the implants.

The disadvantages of saline breast implants include a much firmer feel and a potentially less natural appearance.  Also, visible and palpable rippling, which are very uncommon with gel implants, can be significant with saline implants.  This is particularly problematic in thin patients.  Additionally, because of the above issues, saline implants can not be placed in the subglandular plane which is an advantage in some patients.

What if the breast implant ruptures?

Saline implants are extremely durable.  It is estimated that implant rupture rates are approximately 1% per year.  If the implant should rupture, your body will naturally and harmlessly absorb the saline or salt-water solution and the implant can be replaced.  The breast implants used by Bryn Mawr Breast Implant Surgeon Dr. Bottger are under warranty and if they deflate the patient will be supplied a replacement implant and reimbursed a portion of the cost of a secondary procedure.

In the case of silicone gel implant rupture there is no scientific evidence that rupture produces any health risk. Typically the body creates a scar capsule around any implant which usually contains any gel that might leak.  Because the gel of modern implants is more cohesive (thicker) than older devices, it is less likely to extrude and create a nodule or deformity.  A more firm feeling breast (called a capsular contracture) may, however, be more likely to occur after rupture and require implant replacement.

Dr. Bottger will consider these factors at the time of consultation to help you determine the best approach. If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation incision types or would like to schedule an initial breast implant consultation, contact our breast implant surgeon today.