Total Body Surgical Blog

Saline or Silicone?? Total Body Surgical Cosmetic Surgery

Posted by Jeff Swetnam, MD on Sun, Mar 31, 2013 @ 10:26 AM

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HAPPY EASTER FROM TOTAL BODY SURGICAL AND GREEN COUNTRY BARIATRICS

With our breast implant spring deals going on, we felt like we better talk about breast implants and enhancement.  What spring deal, you might ask??  Click on the button below to get all the details....

When you come to Total Body Surgical for a breast consult, the first thing that will happen is a discussion about implants.  We cover about every positive AND negative to having implants and contrast and compare the saline with the silicone gel implants that are currently available.  We feel it is very important for you to have all of the knowledge. 

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First is saline.  Saline implants were made popular when the silicone implant scare started in the 90's.  These implants are a bag that is placed empty and filled with saline.  They can be placed through an incision under the breast, through the arm pit, through an incision around the nipple, or through the belly button. If a lift is required, then we use the same incisions.  We usually discourage using the nipple access for obvious reasons.  When placed throught the belly button, the incidence of assymetry is reportedly higher.  We generally use the arm pit or an incision under the breast.

inframammary incision transaxillary incision

The pros to the saline implant are several.  One thing that we can do with them is over fill them.  This makes them look like implants.  Some women want this.  Another advantage is if they rupture.  If this happens, the saline is absorbed and the implant goes flat.  We simply replace the implant and you go on your way.  Because saline implants are put in flat, they can be placed through a smaller incision whichever approach you decide upon.  Most studies support a lower capsular contracture rate with saline implants (this is when the implant is distorted by a thicker and tighter capsule that makes the implant feel hard and can cause distortion).

capsular contracture Capsular contracture on right with implant thightening and displacement.  It would feel very hard if you could feel it.

Lastly, and in many cases most importantly, saline implants are cheaper.  They are about $1200 cheaper than silicone implants.

Now the cons.  Some people think that saline implants don't feel as "natural" as silicone implants.  Secondly, saline implants are generally placed under the muscle to avoid some of the limitations of the implant.  Thirdly, saline implants have a higher incidence of "rippling".  Ripples are creases that can form in the implant.  They are more prevalent in women who are very thin and get larger implants.  This can occur with silicone implants as well but less so.

rippling  implant "rippling"

Now for pro's of silicone gel implants.  Some women think they feel more "natural" than saline.  Some women think they have a more "natural" shape.  I think, in the moderate profile shape, they both can look great.  In the high profile shapes, it is my opinion that the silicone gel is the implant of choice and looks better.  It is also my opinion that when implants are placed above the muscle, silicone is the implant of choice due to its lower pressure.  It ripples less and looks better.  Below is a video of what a silicone gel implant looks like when you cut it open.

http://youtu.be/kceaEMmi7pA

The con's.  You must be 22 (the infamous FDA) to get them.  Silicone gel implants are full when we put them in, therefore, the incision must be slightly larger than with saline.  Studies show that the capsular contracture rate is slightly higher than with saline.  Silicone gel implants are more expensive than saline. Implants made of silicone cannot be placed through the belly button. 

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So there you have it!  We feel that implant selection, size and content, is a personal choice and should be made by you.  If you are unsure, we will help guide you in the selection process.  Our office staff is also very good at sharing their experiences with you and giving the "woman's touch" helping you decide.  Dr Miller and I share most of our opinions with only slight variations.

Call us at 1-877-weight0 or 1-918-786-7780 today to schedule your complimentary Cosmetic consultation.  Remember, to take advantage of the 2013 Spring Special Pricing, you must book your surgery by April 30 so don't put it off!!

We look forward to seeing you!!

 

Topics: breast implants, silicone implants, saline implants, Silicone implants for breast augmentation and reco, Breast Augmentation, augmentation, implants, breast lift