Many of you might be going back and forth between choosing Saline-filled or Silicon gel-filled to get the result you desire. Which ones look more natural? What are the risks with each of these options? What happens if something happens with the implant? We might shed some light on and help you decide which option feels the best for you.
So, what are saline and silicone implants?
Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. Saline implants are inserted empty and when the surgeon has put them in place, the implants are filled once they’re in place. If you don’t start out with quite a bit of natural breast tissue, you can expect that saline implants will have a firmer feel than your current breasts do.
Important disclaimer. You have to be 18 or older for breast augmentation. If you have to reconstruct your breasts, there’s no age limit. Countries might have different rules and regulations.
Silicone implants are already filled with silicone gel before insertion. The gel is a thick, sticky fluid that mimics human fat. Silicone breast implants are believed to be, look and feel more like natural breast tissue and to give you a more authentic look.
Important disclaimer. You have to be 22 or older for breast augmentation. If you have to reconstruct your breasts, there’s no age limit. Countries might have different rules and regulations.
What are the risks with both implants?
- Scar tissue that distorts the shape of the breast implant
- Breast pain
- Infection
- Changes in nipple and breast sensation
- Implant leakage and rupture
In case an implant ruptures?
If saline breast implant ruptures, the implant will deflate. It causes the affected breast to change in size and shape.
Your body will absorb the leaking saline solution without health risks, but you’ll probably need surgery to remove the silicone shell. If you want, a new implant can likely be inserted at the same time
If a silicone breast implant ruptures, you might not notice it right away. Or you might notice it ever. Any free silicone tends to remain trapped in the fibrous tissue that forms around the implant. It’s known as a silent rupture
Leaking silicone gel isn’t thought to cause health problems, such as breast cancer, reproductive problems or rheumatoid arthritis. Still, a ruptured silicone breast implant might eventually cause breast pain, breast thickening, or changes in the contour or shape of the breast.
If this happens, your surgeon will likely recommend surgical removal of the implant. If you want a new implant, it can usually be inserted at the same time
What to keep in mind?
- Implants might not last a lifetime. Around 20% of women need to have their implants removed within 8-10 years.
- Implants won’t remove the sagging breasts. You might need an additional breast lift which can be done at the same time.
- MRI routine monitoring after 3 years.
- During mammograms, you have to inform the radiologist that you have breast implants