What's the difference between saline and silicone breast implants?
Saline and silicone breast implants both have an outer silicone shell. The implants differ in material and consistency, however.
Saline breast implants
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They're inserted empty, and then filled once they're in place.
Saline breast implants are available to women 18 and older for breast augmentation and to women of any age for breast reconstruction.
Silicone breast implants
Silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel — a thick, sticky fluid that closely mimics the feel of human fat. Most women feel that silicone breast implants look and feel more like natural breast tissue.
Silicone breast implants are available to women 22 and older for breast augmentation and to women of any age for breast reconstruction.
Silicon implants plays major role in breast augmentation. This new advanced method is helping women to look more beautiful. Basically, silicon implants are medical devices that made from silicon sells filled with silicon gel. These are specially made for those women who seek augmentation of their breasts. Using these implants these women can enhance their breast size. These can also be used to implant removed cancer affected breast.
There are also many other reason for silicon implants to be used. These are proved very useful that other type of breast implants. Due to their smooth and soft structure, silicon implants slides easily on chest wall and feels more natural. More over, new improved implant have textured surface and soother curves. This reduces risk of scratches, hardened edges, and capsular contractures, which generally happens with old implants.
So, what is silicon and how it is beneficial for human body? Silicon is basic component that found in beach sand and is from carbon base polymer family. Using chemicals and other material this carbon polymer family is turned into rubbery, soft and hard silicon resins. This new developed polymer is popularly known as ealstomer. This silicon can be used anywhere in the body. Professionals are using this silicon to fix damaged cardio vascular prosthesis and heart valves. Surgeons are using silicon to construct broken nose wrecked ears, and to join separated bones. Some cosmetic surgeons are removing face wrinkles and old age marks by silicon implants directly on skeletal system.
Two types of silicon implants are used to perform the surgery. These are single shell and double shell. The double shell silicon implants are know as double lumen silicon implants in which, one shell is placed over another. However, single silicon shell implants surgeries are perfumed most of the time.
Breast augmentation can be customized to address your unique cosmetic concerns, and patients can choose:
Saline and silicone breast implants both have an outer silicone shell. The implants differ in material and consistency, however.
Saline-filled implants are silicone shells filled with sterile salt water (saline). Silicone-filled implants are silicone shells filled with a plastic gel (silicone). Although many women say that silicone implants feel more like real breasts than saline, they pose more of a risk if they leak.
Depending on the look you wish to achieve and your unique physical characteristics you and your doctor will choose from a variety of implant styles, shapes, sizes and textures. Some implants give the breast a more rounded appearance, while others create a breast shaped like a teardrop.
| Implants: | ||
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Saline Implants | more info |
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Silicone Implants | more info |
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Mentor Implants | more info |
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Anatomical Implants | more info |
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Round Implants | more info |
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Smooth Implants | more info |
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Textured Implants | more info |
Saline implants are the most popular implant option in the United States. The watery sterile saline solution used in breast implants is isotonic (has the same salt concentration as the normal cells of the body and the blood) and presents no health risk to the patient.
Every year, half a million people seek consultation for enhancement of the appearance of their nose. Some are unhappy with the nose with which they were born or the way aging has changed their nose. For others, an injury may have distorted the nose and in many, there is the additional goal of improving breathing. As the nose occupies a central position on the face, the size and shape of the nose has a great impact on an individual’s appearance.
Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic reasons. Any component of the surgery aimed at improving nasal function or correcting any traumatic nasal deformity may be partly or entirely reimbursable. Our surgeon’s staff and your insurance carrier will help determine your eligibility.
The selection of a particular shape of implant is based on the look that the client
is seeking to achieve. A client may also want to consider the fill material to be
used. Patient feedback tends to indicate that gel implants offer the most realistic
feel. It should be noted that gel implants are filled prior to surgery, and therefore
require a slightly larger incision for insertion than that required for saline implants.
The saline options are available in both smooth and textured shells, and they provide
a beautiful shape to the breast due to the use of silicone
The client decision on the shape and size of the breast implant influences both
the treatment options that are recommended as well as the final results. Related
surgery is accomplished via the insertion of breast implants, either behind the
breast tissue, or under the chest muscles.
The method of implant insertion and positioning depends upon client preferences and surgical recommendations. The surgical procedure is completed in under 2 hours, and facilitates rapid recovery that generally results in minimal bleeding and scarring, and allows a patient to return to work in approximately 3 days.
Thousands of women undergo this procedure every year with no major after effects.
During this consultation, the changes that you want to make in your appearance will
be discussed. Due to the extremely personal nature of this decision, you must ensure
that you discuss all of your concerns and desires openly and honestly, including
the size that you want your breasts to be.
It is extremely helpful to show the doctor pictures of breast sizes that appeal
to you. All your options will be explained to you in detail such as incision types,
the location of the implant, the types of implants that are available, and whether
or not a breast-lift would be beneficial in your case.
Measurements are key. The “right size” for you has nothing to do with your cup size…
it has to do with body size… more specifically, it has to do with the measurements
of your breasts in relation to the rest of your chest and rib cage.
Everyone knows that breast implants look fake and unnatural if they are too big,
but what most women don’t realize is that implants that are too small also look
fake! The best way to avoid this problem is for your surgeon to take measurements
during the consultation and use them to determine an appropriate range of implants
to begin choosing from.
I always show my patients sample breast implants of all different shapes and sizes, and I usually have them place a few sizes in their bra during that visit. This not a very accurate way of choosing a size, but it can certainly point us in the right direction, especially when we consider your measurements at the same time. If your surgeon has sample saline and silicone implants, take the opportunity to feel both of them.
Depending on the look you wish to achieve and your unique physical characteristics you and your doctor will choose from a variety of implant styles, shapes, sizes and textures. Some implants give the breast a more rounded appearance, while others create a breast shaped like a teardrop.
Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. Should the implant shell leak, a saline implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.
Saline breast implants provide a uniform shape, firmness and feel, and are FDA-approved for augmentation in women age 18 or older.
Structured implants are filled with sterile salt water, and contain an inner structure which aims to make the implant feel more natural.
Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel. The gel feels a bit more like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell, or may escape into the breast implant pocket. A leaking implant filled with silicone gel will not collapse.
If you choose silicone implants, you may need to visit your plastic surgeon regularly to make sure the implants are functioning properly. An ultrasound or MRI screening can assess the condition of breast implants.
Silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women age 22 or older.
Form-stable implants are sometimes referred to as gummy bear breast implants because they maintain their shape even when the implant shell is broken.
The consistency of the silicone gel inside the implant is thicker than traditional silicone gel implants. These implants are also firmer than traditional implants.
Shaped gummy bear breast implants have more projection at the bottom and are tapered towards the top. If a shaped implant rotates, it may lead to an unusual appearance of the breast that requires a separate procedure to correct.
Placement of gummy bear implants requires a slightly longer incision in the skin.
Round breast implants have a tendency to make breasts appear fuller than form-stable implants. Higher profile options can achieve even more projection.
Because round implants are the same shape all over, there is less concern about them rotating out of place.
Smooth breast implants are the softest feeling. They can move with the breast implant pocket, which may give more natural movement.
Smooth implants may have some palpable or visible rippling under the skin.
Textured breast implants develop scar tissue to stick to the implant, making them less likely to move around inside of the breast and become repositioned.
Texturing offers some advantage in diminishing the risk of a tight scar capsule.
Implant manufacturers occasionally introduce new styles and types of breast implants, so there may be additional options available.
Whether you choose saline or silicone implants, it is important for you to monitor your breast implants and follow-up with your plastic surgeon for appropriate checkups.
The first step in the Breast Augmentation procedure consists of making an incision
and lifting the breast tissue. The doctor will then create a pocket in the chest
or breast area and then place the implant, which consists of a soft and natural-feeling
material, in the pocket.
Incisions can be made in one of several areas such as the crease below the breast,
around the areola, under the armpit, and sometimes, although rarely , through the
navel. The implant is then placed either under the breast, or under the chest muscle.
Decision on the placement is made based on several factors such as the physical
anatomy of your breasts, the soreness after surgery, exercise activities ( sports
such as weightlifting, tennis, volleyball that directly affect upper body strength)
and potential interference with mammograms. The most popularly used implant consists
of a silicone rubber sack filled with saline solution, although there are many other
kinds available.
The under arm incision is one of the most common incision locations and is made under the armpit. Incision patterns vary based on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, patient anatomy, and patient and surgeon preference.
Incisions are closed with layered, non-removable sutures in the breast tissues. Sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape are then used to close the skin. While the incision scars typically fade over several months.
Incisions are made to keep scars as inconspicuous as possible. The nipple (periareolar) incision is one of the most common incision locations and is made under the areola (the pigmented area of skin around the nipple). Incision patterns vary based on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, patient anatomy, and patient and surgeon preference
A small incision is made in the belly button. Through the incision, a slender instrument passes under the skin to a location behind the breast tissue. Next, a tissue expander is inserted and placed under the breast. With the expander, a space is developed to create a pocket for the implant size you requested. The position and size is verified. Then, an empty saline implant is placed in the pocked and filled with sterile saline. The incision is closed with a few absorbable stitches.
It depends on the insurance plan and the reason for breast augmentation.Breast augmentation
to alter or enhance appearance (i.e. cosmetic surgery) is generally not covered.
There are exceptions so patients seeking this procedure should check with their
insurance company. In general, breast surgeries to reconstruct breasts that have
been altered due to a medical condition infection or damaged by trauma are covered.
Exceptions include scar tissue contracture with hardening around the implant which
may be associated with pain and visible distortion of the breast referred to as
a Baker IV capsular contracture. Augmentation for aesthetic reasons is typically
not covered by insurance, but may be paid for out-of-pocket, or financed through
several companies you will be provided.
You may submit information regarding your insurance carrier to our
Patient/Insurance coordinator department. Our staff without cost
to you will verify your insurance coverage and determine if your insurance covers
the procedure.
* The Information Presented On This Website Is Intended To Be Used For Informational Use Only; It Is Not Intended To Be A Substitute For Professional Advice. If You Are Planning On Having A Procedure Performed Or If There Is Anything You Don't Understand Or Have Questions About Your Procedure, Time, Price Variation Due Patient Comorbidity, Blood Work, Additional Cost for General Anesthesia, Operating Room, Post Surgery Recovery, Combination Of The Different Procedures. Please Consult Our Physician Who Will Be Happy During Your Free Consultation To Go Over In Details With All Your Questions.
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