Breast augmentation
is either performed using saline- or silicone-filled breast implants, devices which not only increase the bust size but
also regain the lost volume after childbirth.
In terms of popularity, silicone breast implants are almost outpacing the saline version. This is not surprising because they provide a
more natural result since they are filled with a cohesive gel that is designed
to replicate the feel of breast tissue and fat.
The growing popularity of silicone breast implant can be
attributed to the FDA’s decision to lift the ban in 2006 after several studies
have suggested that there is no link between its use and cancer risk and
systemic diseases.
Another reason why silicone implants are more popular than
saline is that they are very ideal for women with little tissue and fat in
their breasts. And not surprising, a
significant number of patients seeking breast augmentation have this anatomical
feature.
On the other hand, saline implants can provide a natural appearance only if there is a moderate to
significant amount of tissue and breast plastic surgeons can work with.
Meanwhile, a 2009 survey released by the American Society of
Plastic surgeons revealed that 50 percent of breast augmentation patients had
chosen silicone implants.
Right after the lifting of the 16-year ban, silicone implant
is gaining on saline version every year.
In 2007, 35 percent of breast implants used in surgery were silicone and
they jumped by 47 percent a year after.
Difference Between Saline and Silicone Implants:
* Saline implants are filled with a sterile salt and water
solution while the silicone version is filled with a cohesive silicone gel.
* Saline implants are prone to sloshing, which in turn
results to higher risk of downward displacement than silicone with the same
size. For this reason, some doctors
intentionally overfill the saline implants.
* Silicone implants need longer incision than the saline
version, unless they come in a very small size.
By contrast, saline implants require a short surgical cut because they
are placed empty inside the breast pocket before they are inflated with a
sterile saltwater solution.
* Silicone implants can maintain their volume for years
(except if there is a leak or implant failure) unlike the saline ones which
have a natural deflation rate of 1 percent every year.
* For patients with a little amount of breast tissue, saline implants often result to unflattering, dome-shaped breasts while the silicone
implants can provide a more natural result.
However, saline and silicone implants provide almost the same
aesthetic result for women with moderate to significant amount of breast
tissue.
