Home|Blog | Silicone, Saline, and Anatomic Implants
Silicone, Saline, and Anatomic Implants
As every woman’s body is unique, breast implants are designed in different varieties of materials, shapes, sizes, textures, and profiles. The filler material for breast implants can either be silicone or saline, though the former does have two distinct categories of cohesiveness (see below). These materials have their own distinct benefits as well as issues, which may help you determine which type is best for your breast augmentation or breast revision.
Silicone (Round)
Silicone implants are made of a cohesive silicone gel and mimic the natural look and feel of the breasts. They can be shaped or designed in many different ways to meet the patient’s preferences. Here are some of the benefits of choosing silicone implants:
- Generally far more natural look and feel compared to saline
- Far less likely to be associated with the presence or degree of rippling versus saline
- Little or no noticeable change in appearance with the loss of implant integrity (rupture), whereas saline typically has acute deflation with loss of volume
- Substantially longer lasting than saline
- Most popular implants/implant material
Silicone (Anatomic/Teardrop)
The anatomic implants refer to Natrelle® 410 silicone breast implants, also known as the “gummy bear” implants. These implants, comprised of a highly cohesive silicone gel, are shaped “anatomically” in a teardrop configuration (form stable) to create a more “natural” breast slope and appearance. Here are some of the benefits of choosing anatomic implants:
- Longest-lasting breast implants
- In some situations may have a more “natural” look
- Less likely to be associated with rippling
- No noticeable change in appearance with loss of implant integrity (rupture), whereas saline typically has acute deflation with loss of volume
- Because they are form stable, they may have some advantages in certain cosmetic and reconstructive situations over the round, more malleable silicone and saline implants
Saline
Saline implants are made of a silicone shell filled with a saltwater solution. They can be designed in several different ways to meet the patient’s preferences. Here are some of the benefits of choosing saline implants:
- Most versatile for different incision types
- Same size incisions can be used for very large implants as for small ones
- Adjustable size for last-minute changes during the surgery and to precisely deal with breast asymmetries
- Most affordable implant material
The above listings of some of the specific advantages of each implant can be helpful in making your decision as to which type may be best for you. However, it is also important for you to evaluate the associated negatives as well as other influencing factors, including recommendations from your plastic surgeon, before making your final decision. Dr. Turkeltaub will extensively discuss implant-related issues with you, including pros and cons and risks and complications, and provide you with recommendations that will best satisfy your specific needs and goals.
Breast augmentation can enhance your breasts and give you a more feminine figure. Call (480) 451–3000 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation with Dr. Steven Turkeltaub today.