Choosing the Right Implant for You
Breasts implants were introduced over 50 years ago in Europe and have quickly made their way around the world. Because there is such a huge demand for these surgical enhancements, the field has been ever growing and expanding, with each generation offering more benefits while minimalizing risk.
There are basically two kinds of implants which are mostly commonly used, saline and silicone. Both have their pros and cons and the purpose of this blog is to provide you with accurate and honest information. As always, a consultation with our highly trained doctors is your best bet to determining which one is best for you.
Saline- Saline implants are made of a silicone gel shell and filled with a natural solution, which can vary in size.
Pros- Because the saline is natural (salt water), they can be easily absorbed back into the body. In addition to this, because the implants can be filled after insertion, there is less of an incision size and thus less scaring. There is also flexible volume, which can be adjusted during surgery- this can be useful for women with asymmetrical breasts. Finally, because the fact that the saline is absorbed back into the body, leakage detection can be easier and more immediate- as the breast will quickly lose volume.
Cons- One of the main draw backs of saline implants is that they can shift. Also, the saline can make the breast seem more firm and also cause folds and ripples on the breasts. They can also make the breast tissue feel more firm, thus giving an unnatural feel.
Silicone- Silicone implants are made of a synthetic gel, which can be rippled or smooth.
Pros- Generally silicone implants are ideal for the very thin patient with small breasts. In the larger patient with more implant coverage, the advantages of saline out weight the advantages of silicone. In addition, most women report that silicone implants feel more like natural breasts. Finally, silicone implants are less likely to shift, as they tend to keep their position better, which produces less folds and ripples.
Cons- Because silicone ruptures are hard to spot (often called silent ruptures), they can only be spotted by MRI scans, and therefore the FDA suggest scans every 3 years. Though the implant will likely have to be removed, there has been no connection to disease of any kind. Finally, because the shape is solid, the incision will be slightly bigger, thus giving more scarring.
Which implant is right for you?
This is a difficult question to answer, as it completely varies with the individual. During a consultation with our highly skilled Dr. Song, every aspect of the breast implants will be thoroughly explained, including the recovery time and pain to be expected. The most important element of choosing your implant is the customizing of your individual profile. Dr. Song will help you find the best fit for your body by factoring your age, weight, current size as well as your overall lifestyle. For more information please contact us through the contact form or emails us atdodreamplasticsurgery@gmail.com. We will happily arrange a free consultation for you.