The infamous question: Silicone or Saline?
Once you’ve established that you want to get a breast aug and have begun your research, you will come across the online debate: silicone or saline? This is the best question to ask your doctor, because it is a highly personal choice that may vary depending on the person. Dr. Tag will do a breast exam and give you his clinical opinion that keeps science and safety in the highest regard. As far as safety, there have been so many studies done on implants since they started being used over 6o years ago, and studies are still being done today! Fun fact for you, the first breast augmentation ever done was back in 1962. Breast Implants since then have either been filled with silicone or saline, the only fills today that are FDA approved.
Why is Silicone usually the best choice?
Ultimately, yes the choice of the implant is yours but, in most situations, based on evidence, doctor recommendations, and patient outcomes, silicone would be preferred over saline. They tend to have less rippling and less visibility under the skin, and according to patients tends to feel more natural, as well as having superior outcomes to saline when studied. Another thing about silicone implants that is important to consider, if your implant were to rupture, the silicone the implant would still hold its shape and your breast would not show that there was a rupture. If you’re reading this and have had a consult with Dr. Tag before, you know that he physically shows you a silicone implant that had been cut with a knife after about 2 years and continues to hold its shape! With that, since there’s a small chance you would know the implant is ruptured, it’s recommended by the FDA that you get an MRI 5-6 years after the initial implant, and then every 2-3 years thereafter. The good news is breast implants only carry a rupture risk of about 1% per year, but it’s important to stay on the safe side and follow FDA recommendations.
The choice is between you and your Doctor
Depending on what your goals are, saline might be the better option for you. Since saline implants tend to be a little firmer and rounder, it could be preferrable for patients who don’t want to go for as natural of a look. One benefit from saline implants as well could be a smaller incision made, but there is no way to say that could be true with every case. If you’re younger than 22 and looking to get implants immediately, then saline would be your only option unless you were to wait for gel once you turn 22. And again based on your goals, it might be recommended that you wait to get silicone because of your desired outcome!
As you see, there a lot of different things to keep in mind when thinking about saline or silicone implants, but the best advice I can give is to trust your doctor! They do this for a living people! Based on your goals and your breast exam, your doctor will let you know the best way. Call our office of U Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics to schedule your complimentary consultation today!