When looking into the options for breast implants, there are two general categories, saline and silicone. Within silicone, there are additional options. You can have either liquid silicone or silicone gel implants. Silicone gel implants are the most commonly preferred by women getting breast augmentation or reconstructive surgery.
To find out why silicone gel implants rank at the top, you need to understand some of the characteristics of liquid silicone and saline solution breast implants. First of all, each implant type features an outer shell constructed of hard silicone. This helps protect the inner filling. Saline solution breast implant filling is basically just salt water. This proves to have no health risk if the implant ruptures, but the resulting appearance tends to have ripples and can even make a sloshing sound.
When filled too full, saline implants can get hard; when under filled, the implants tend to wrinkle. Saline filled implants are also more prone to capsular contracture than silicone gel implants. Capsular contracture happens when the scar tissue around the implant contracts and tightens around the implant making the implant hard and sometimes painful. Saline implants are lower in cost than silicone gel implants, though.
Breast implants filled with liquid silicone can also show ripples. Additionally, if the outer shell of the breast implant is broken, the liquid silicone will leak into the woman’s body. This can be a serious health risk. It is also difficult to know if a liquid silicone filled breast implant starts to leak because the deflation can be slow and take a lengthy period of time. Silicone gel breast implants will not leak like the liquid silicone because the gel forms a semi-solid bond.
Silicone gel implants result in the most natural feeling and looking of the breast implant options. The high strength of the silicone gel implant helps it to hold its shape better and remain in an upright position. This reduces the complications that can arise with breast implant surgery. However, the risks that are involved with any type of surgery still exist regardless of the type of breast implant you choose. You can find out more about gel implants and associated risks at http://www.salinevssiliconeimplants.com
Like all breast implants, silicone gel implants come in different shapes and sizes. Saline implants are usually filled at the time of placement. Liquid silicone and silicone gel implants are usually pre-filled. Using implants that are filled before the surgery helps eliminate the chance that there are small leaks in the implant. Breast implants can also feature different textures.
When considering breast augmentation or reconstruction, be sure to find a certified plastic surgeon to discuss all of your options with before you make any decisions. Silicone gel implants, as well as, all breast implants have associated risks and benefits which should be well outlined before you decide to go ahead with breast implant surgery. Also, ask about the procedures of the surgery and recovery time. Knowing your warranty and repair options is also important. Surgery of any kind is a big decision, so treat it as such.
