Saline vs. Silicone
Houston, Pearland, Sugar Land, Friendswood, Texas
One of the decisions you will want to make before undergoing breast surgery is deciding which type of breast implant is right for your needs. There are many advantages and disadvantages to both saline and silicone breast implants for use in your breast augmentation surgery. It is a great idea to discuss both types of breast implants with Houston breast surgeon Dr. Leo Lapuerta during a confidential consultation.
The information Dr. Lapuerta will give your during your consultation will guide you in your decision about the type of breast implant you would like. Dr. Lapuerta will examine your breasts, listen to your goals for surgery, and ask you questions about your lifestyle, hobbies, and medical history. All of this information will give Dr. Lapuerta a better understanding of which type of breast implant will better serve your needs for breast augmentation. To talk to Dr. Lapuerta in person about saline and silicone implants, please contact the Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas today to schedule your consultation.
Breast Implant Types
You have a choice between saline and silicone breast implants. Both types of breast implants offer great advantages. One type of breast implant may be a better choice for you over the other. The type of breast implant you choose will depend on:
- Your body shape and size
- What type of incision you would like
- Whether you will have the breast implants placed above or below the muscle
- If you need asymmetry in your breasts corrected
- How you would prefer your breast implants to look
Both saline and silicone breast implants are available in teardrop and round shapes. Choosing a textured or smooth implant will depend on the shape you want. A teardrop shaped breast implant will require a textured surface to help prevent the implant from shifting. A round implant can be either textured or smooth.
Saline Breast Implants
The two great advantages of saline breast implants are:
- They can be filled during breast surgery
- You can choose any type of incision for placement
Because saline breast implants are filled with a saltwater solution, they can be filled during breast surgery giving Dr. Lapuerta more control over the size of the breasts. He can make adjustments if he feels that a slightly different size will give you the best results. He can also adjust the sizes of the implants individually to correct asymmetry of the breasts.
A smaller incision can be used for placing saline breast implants that are not pre-filled. This means that you have more options for the incision placement and type. Dr. Lapuerta will discuss with you all of your options for incision placement and type to help you make the right decision for your goals.
The disadvantages are that saline breast implants have a chance of feeling firm or squishy depending on the fill level and that there is a higher chance that the implants will ripple. These disadvantages can create an unnatural look and feel to the breasts.
Silicone Breast Implants
The main advantage of silicone breast implants is that they look and feel more natural. They have less of a chance of rippling and they give amazing results. They are recommended if you have less natural breast tissue, especially if you are considering subglandular placement of the implant.
Silicone breast implants are pre-filled with a safe silicone gel. Because silicone breast implants come pre-filled, they are generally placed using either a periareolar or inframammary incision. Silicone breast implants are slightly more expensive than saline breast implants.
If you are interested in having breast augmentation and would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lapuerta to discuss your breast implant options, please contact the Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas today. Dr. Lapuerta serves patients in and around Houston, Texas including Pearland, Sugar Land and Friendswood.