Breast Implants: Saline Vs. Silicone
Women have the option to augment their breasts i.e. achieve a rounder, fuller, proper-sized,
and proportionate breasts. This is possible by augmentation mammoplasty using breast
implants or autologous fat transfer. It can be preferred for cosmetic purposes or reconstructive
reasons such as after mastectomy for breast cancer.
In this blog Dr. Mrinalini Sharma, breast cosmetic surgeon in Delhi at Aestiva Clinic
focuses only on providing details about cosmetic breast augmentation with breast implants.
She also discusses the types of breast implants and helps readers seeking breast implant
surgery evaluate the options and make the right choice for themselves.
Saline and Silicone breast implants- The difference
Breast implants are basically of two types based on the filler material and its consistency
present inside the outer silicone shells. These areSaline breast implants
These are the silicone shells filled with sterile salt water (saline). Some of these are placed
empty and filled during the operation and others are pre-filled. These are available for any
woman aged 18 or above who wants to undergo breast augmentation or for any female
irrespective of her age for breast reconstruction.
Silicone breast implants
These are the silicone shells containing sticky, thick, plastic-like gel called silicone that
closely resembles the feel of human fat. These can be used by women aged 22 and above to
augment their breasts or for women of any age for their breast reconstruction.
Both of these types are available in different sizes and have either textured or smooth shells.
Hence, based on one’s needs the type of implant varies and also the Breast Implant Cost In
Delhi.
Should I get saline or silicone breast implants?
To help you decide, here are some of the reasons for picking a saline or silicone implant:
1. Rupture of Breast Implants
When a saline breast implant ruptures, deflation can be seen in the implant which in
turn changes the size and shape of the breast. The leaked saline solution is absorbed
by the body without posing health risks but the patient will need another surgery to
remove the silicone shell and at the same time replace it with a new implant.
When there is breakage of the silicone breast implant, the patient might not notice it
immediately or ever as any free silicone tends to remain trapped in the capsule (a
fibrous tissue) that forms around the breast implant. As compared to the rupturing of
saline implants, silicone gel implant leakage is risky. It cannot result in health issues
like breast cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, or reproductive problems. However, it might
cause pain in the breasts, breasts thickening, or changes in the shape or contour of the
breasts. If this happens, surgical removal is necessary of the whole implant. A new
breast implant can be placed at the same time.
2. The lifespan of Breast Implants
Most breast implants are designed to stay for several years but the patient may need to
replace/change them at some point in their lives. In this aspect, both the saline and
silicone breast implants are the same as they last as long as the other implants are
required to be inserted in their place.
3. Incisions Required to Place Breast Implants
Pre-filled silicone implants are placed behind or above the chest muscles by making a
proper large incision while the saline implants are placed through the small cut as they
are filled with the saline solution only after the placement of the silicone shell.
4. How the Breast Implants Feel?
Most women believe that silicone breast implants feel more like natural breasts and
are soft to touch than saline breast implants. Saline breast implants are usually firmer.
5. Aesthetic Appearance of Breast Implants
Saline implants look firm and round as they are a bit overfilled while silicone
implants are highly pliable and give the breasts a more natural look.
Want to know more about the benefits of getting breast implants and the Cost of Breast
Implant in Delhi, book an appointment now with the best cosmetic breast surgeon Dr.
Mrinalini Sharma at Aestiva Clinic.