Silicone or Saline Breast Implants: Which Type Should I Get?
Thinking about breast implants? Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph M. Brown of SynergyMD Plastic Surgery has placed about 2,000 implants in his career, including saline and silicone breast implants.
Our Tampa, FL, plastic surgeon prides himself in patient education — and we’re happy to guide you through the advantages of silicone and saline options. Whether you’re concerned with aesthetics, safety, or texture, we can address each one.
We’re also happy to go into more detail about each option — and answer all your questions — with a virtual or in-person breast implant consultation. For those curious about breast augmentation options, here are how silicone implants vs. saline implants work.
What Are Saline Breast Implants?
A saline implant gains its volume from a water-salt solution. It is held in place by a shell made from silicone, and the solution inside is completely sterile.
The Advantages of Saline Implants
Tampa, FL, breast augmentation patients may prefer saline implants over silicone implants due to reasons such as:
Affordability
Generally speaking, saline implants tend to cost less than silicone implants. However, patients should remember that opting for higher-quality materials is an investment in their long-term results.
Noticeable Leaks
With saline implants, patients will realize exactly when they are experiencing a leak. That’s because the saline will leave the shell and change its shape. Often, it’s much more difficult to observe if silicone implants have opened.
Tinier Incisions
Surgeons often create more modest incisions for saline implants, which can reduce the potential of scarring. However, it may help to know that our doctor uses techniques like the Keller Funnel no-touch method and three different types of incisions to minimize post-surgical scars.
What Are Silicone Breast Implants?
These implants are a popular option created from a malleable material called silicone. Because of the many benefits of silicone implants, they can serve as a replacement for old saline implants or an option for a patient’s first breast augmentation surgery.
The Advantages of Silicone Implants
Our board-certified plastic surgeon favors silicone implants over saline ones for a variety of reasons. That’s because they offer:
More Realistic Textures
Don’t want anyone to know you have implants? Unlike saline implants, silicone implants have a more realistic texture.
Superior Aesthetics
If you have saline implants, you may notice that they are more prone to visible changes under the skin, creating waves and creases. The results from silicone breast implants tend to look smoother and more consistent.
Lifelike Shape
Silicone implants can best mimic the teardrop shape that natural breasts have. Saline implants, on the other hand, look more circular.
Find the Best Option for You at SynergyMD Plastic Surgery
Considering breast implants for the first time? Or are you hoping to make the switch from saline to silicone implants with breast revision surgery? Either way, you’ve have a Tampa, FL, team that’s here to guide you every step of the way.
Not only do we emphasize patient education, but we also have a 24/7 line where you can reach your clinical team. As a result, patients can easily ask questions and stay informed about their treatment from the very beginning.
Set Up You Breast Implant Consultation
If you want to explore breast implants with Dr. Brown, contact SynergyMD plastic surgery. We also offer convenient virtual consultations to help you get started.