Saline vs. Silicone For Breast Augmentation

By Dr. Surjit Rai

Having looked at the choices associated with breast augmentation on April 14, the advantages of saline implants on April 30, and the advantages of silicone gel implants on May 3, let’s now consider the downsides of each implant type. If you are considering breast augmentation, it is part of your education and preparation to learn about the disadvantages as well as the advantages of each pre-surgery choice. No implant type is perfect absolutely, but one may be pretty near perfect for you individually.

• There are four choices of incision location for breast augmentation but only three are possible if you choose silicone gel implants. The TUBA approach places an incision in the navel and does an endoscopic procedure to position the implants. This can be done with saline implants which are inserted empty and folded up small, and it gives you no little scars (discreet as they are) on your upper body. If you want silicone implants and do not want any incision done in the navel anyway, this is not a disadvantage.
• In the remote possibility of an implant shell rupture, saline solution will immediately leak out and be absorbed by the body harmlessly; but your breasts will be asymmetrical and you will need to replace that implant as soon as possible. If a silicone implant ruptures, there will be no leak of silicone contents, as it will retain its shape without the shell. However, you will not realize there has been a rupture, perhaps until you go for a mammogram or a breast examination.
• For most people, silicone implants more closely resemble breast tissue than saline implants.
• If, after your breast augmentation, you decide that the implants are too big or too small, saline implants can be easily adjusted but not silicone implants. They are inserted pre-filled and must be replaced.
• Silicone implants are less likely to wrinkle after placement. If you are slender, saline implant wrinkles can show through the skin, looking unnatural.

Both types of implant can obstruct your mammograms unless you have them done by a technician trained in doing X-rays for breasts that have implants.

Both types are susceptible to capsular contraction. The body naturally produces connective tissue around the implant as a kind of immune response. This is not a problem unless that tissue becomes too tight, squeezing the implant and making the breasts feel hard. Dr. Rai can address this problem should it occur.

When done by a properly qualified surgeon with extensive experience, breast augmentation is a very safe and effective cosmetic surgery procedure. Part of having a happy outcome is doing your homework beforehand, so that you know what to expect and how to minimize your chances of any complications. Be sure and follow Dr. Rai’s instructions for pre- and post-operative self-care.

To schedule a free consultation with Dr. Rai, please contact our Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, office today. We look forward to working with you.