Silicone Breast Implants - Pros and Cons

When it comes to getting breast implants, patients have two basic filler choices. After selecting the size of the breast implant, the patient must choose between silicone or saline filled breast implants. Patients, in conjunction with their plastic surgeons, must determine which type will better suit their needs, which feels more natural, and which is less likely to produce complications. In reality, both types of implants are effective, safe, and feel natural when implanted correctly. Which filler type the breast augmentation patient chooses will depend on her preferences and body types.

Advantages of Silicone Breast Implants

Women who choose silicone breast implants usually do so because silicone looks and feels more natural. A silicone gel implant is going to look and feel more like natural breast tissue, when compared to saline implants. This is because the silicone gel material is thicker than the saline solution. The silicone gel is a thick material that is designed to stay in place in the event of a leak or rupture, while the saline solution is the same consistency as water.

Silicone is a lighter, less dense material. The main complaint that women have after a breast augmentation is how heavy the implants are, as the body adjusts to the new weight. Because silicone is lighter than saline, it will be much easier for the body to adjust to their natural weight.

Silicone is also usually better for women with small frames and small breasts. They fill out the breast area with a more natural look and feel, even if the woman does not have much tissue there to begin with. This can be a serious advantage for thin women that want to balance their body shape and still retain a natural appearance.

Another advantage of silicone implants is that they are associated with a lower rate of implant rippling or folding, a condition that, when severe, can be seen or felt beneath the skin.

Disadvantages of Silicone Breast Implants

While there are a number of advantages when it comes to silicone implants, there are some disadvantages that women will want to consider before they choose silicone over saline.

First of all, silicone implants are more expensive than their saline counterpart.

The incision needed to place the implants is longer, because silicone implants must be placed when filled, unlike saline implants, which can be filled after implantation.

Because silicone implants are pre-filled, larger sizes may not be able to be placed via the armpit, areolar, or belly button incision approaches.

Silicone implants result in what is called a “silent” rupture, which is difficult to identify. If the implant has teared, the silicone is intended to stay within the breast implant shell, making it difficult to detect ruptures. To check for ruptures, patients with silicone implants will have to undergo routine MRIs.

The Bottom Line

Though there are some disadvantages to silicone breast implants, the advantages greatly outweigh the negatives. Patients should discuss their needs and desires with their doctors, taking into account their body types and budgets.

For more information about silicone breast implants, their advantages and disadvantages, and what type might be right for you, contact Crawford Plastic Surgery today.