When considering getting a breast augmentation, there are several factors you need to consider to achieve the desired outcome. These factors can include the placement of the implant, the material of the implant, and the size. One question you may consider is—silicone or saline? To help you make an educated decision, Kitto Plastic Surgery is here to help. We perform breast enhancement fat transfer surgery in Richmond, VA, and have helped hundreds of women look and feel more confident in their bodies. Let us guide you to the choice that’s right for you.
Different Breast Implant Options
There are three main types of breast implants—saline, silicone, and gummy bear (form-stable). In addition to the different types of implants, several shapes and textures are available for an individual to choose from, including round breast implants, smooth breast implants, and textured breast implants. For the purposes of this article, we will only be going into detail on the FDA-approved breast implant options: silicone and saline.
Which is Right for You?
The implant you choose to get will largely depend on your personal preference for feel, movement, and texture. Breast implants are covered in an outer “shell” that keeps the implant self-contained. With both silicone and saline implants, this shell is made up of silicone material; however, the internal components of the shell will differ.
Silicone
Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel. These breast implant options are widely considered more similar to natural breast tissue in feel, movement, and appearance. This option is FDA-approved for individuals over the age of 22.
Pros
Silicone implants are likely the best choice if you are looking for a more realistic augmentation. The silicone gel can move freely within the implant, making it more malleable. Because of this, the silicone implant’s shape, feel, movement, and appearance are more realistic.
Cons
The main problem with silicone implants is their tendency to rupture. A rupture occurs when the implant’s outer shell is compromised, and the interior gel is allowed to flow freely. When silicone implants rupture, it is not always noticeable at first, which can cause complications. Silicone gel can cause various adverse effects and reactions without adequate treatment and repair, such as pain, misshapen breast, or tissue thickening.
Saline
A saline implant is comprised of an outer silicone shell and an interior sterile saltwater solution (saline). These implants are typically placed into the breast without the interior saline solution and then filled once the implant is properly placed. This option is FDA-approved for individuals over the age of 18.
Pros
There are two main pros regarding saline implants—the small surgical scar and the decrease in complications if ruptured. Unlike silicone implants, saline implants do not require a large incision to insert because the implant is placed in the breast without a pre-filled solution. As a result, the surgical scars are much smaller and less noticeable. Similarly, there are a variety of complications if a silicone implant ruptures in the body. In contrast, a saline implant rupturing is much more noticeable and safer. Saline can be absorbed by the body naturally, so the rupture would not require as much intensive repair.
Cons
Saline implants do not contain silicone gel, so they are less realistic than silicone implants. Instead, saline implants can appear firm, overly round, and full—resulting in an unnatural appearance. However, selecting the right size and shape of the implant can mitigate those results.
Get Breast Implant Surgery in Richmond, VA, at Kitto Plastic Surgery
Are you interested in getting breast enhancement fat transfer surgery in Richmond, VA? Dr. Kitto from Kitto Plastic Surgery is a board-certified surgeon with a comforting touch and an expert eye. She can help you achieve the desired results and guide you in the right direction. In addition to boob augmentations, Dr. Kitto performs boob reductions and breast lift surgery in Richmond, VA. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your breast for any reason, Dr. Kitto can help.
Call us at 804-294-1777 or go online to schedule a consultation today.