Comparing Breast Implant Options: The Pros and Cons

August 21, 2019
A girl in a bikini

As we mentioned in a previous post examining 2018 plastic surgery statistics, breast augmentation is the most popular surgical procedure in the United States. Dr. Marcus H. Crawford has helped countless patients in the greater Marietta and Atlanta, GA areas achieve better curves and greater confidence.

When performing breast augmentation surgery, there are different types of breast implants to choose from. The three current options are silicone, saline, and cohesive gel (aka gummy bear) implants. Let’s take a moment to compare the three kinds of breast implants below.

About Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants are comprised of a silicone outer shell that is filled with silicone gel. They were removed from the US market in the 1990s due to health concerns, but they eventually returned to the US in 2006 with FDA approval.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Silicone Implants

The primary benefits of silicone breast implants are as follows:

  • The appearance of silicone implants is extremely natural
  • The texture of silicone implants is similar to natural breast tissue
  • Little likelihood of rippling visible through the skin

The main drawbacks of silicone breast implants are as follows:

  • An incision around the nipple or along the underside of the breast is required to place silicone implants
  • Ruptures and leaks are harder to detect, which can result in health problems
  • Usually not the least expensive implant option

About Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are comprised of a silicone shell that is filled with saline solution (saltwater). When silicone breast implants were not available in America, saline implants were the sole option to choose.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Saline Implants

The primary benefits of saline breast implants are as follows:

  • Saline implants can be placed using smaller incisions
  • Surgeons can use incisions located in the armpit and belly button to place saline implants
  • Ruptures and leaks are easy to detect
  • Usually the most affordable breast implant option

The main drawbacks of saline breast implants are as follows:

  • Potential issues with rippling through the skin can impact appearance
  • The texture of saline implants is usually firmer than silicone gel

About Cohesive Gel Implants

Cohesive gel implants are like silicone implants but the silicone filling is much thicker and firmer. The nature of the cohesive silicone gel is why they are sometimes referred to as “gummy bear” implants.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Cohesive Gel Implants

The primary benefits of cohesive gel breast implants are as follows:

  • The appearance of cohesive gel implants is natural
  • Implant ruptures are less likely given the nature of the cohesive gel
  • Great long-term cosmetic results

The main drawbacks of cohesive gel breast implants are as follows:

  • More expensive than other breast implant options
  • In general cohesive gel implants are firmer in texture than regular silicone implants
  • The incision size and locations for gummy bear implants is similar to silicone implants

Developing a Treatment Plan to Meet Your Needs

As you can see, there are various pros and cons to consider when it comes to placing breast implants. During the consultation process, we can discuss all of these breast implant options in greater detail and determine which one is right for you and your needs.

Contact Dr. Marcus Crawford

If you would like more information about breast implants and how they can help you achieve the look you’ve always wanted, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic surgeon. The team at Crawford Plastic Surgery is here to answer all of your questions and address your concerns.

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