Saline VS Silicone Breast Enhancement: Patients Decide Which Is Best

(I-Newswire) January 31, 2010 - Manchester, UK -- For patients looking to improve the appearance of their bust line, one of the main decisions they'll need to choose between saline and silicone implants. During the 90s, silicone breast enhancement was thought to cause health issues, but after years of investigation, this connection was found not to exist. This leaves women with two choices, and while a physician may recommend one or the other, the patient make the final decision.

Silicone implants for breast augmentation consist of a silicone rubber shell that is prefilled with a non-toxic silicone gel by the manufacturer to the desired size. Since these come in a variety of shell types, thicknesses, shapes, volumes, and tones, they often look and feel similar to natural breast tissue. However, it's important to note that this type of breast enhancement is not adjustable and is installed using a large incision under the breast because of its large size.

Saline breast implants are also made of a silicone rubber shell. However, they may or may not be filled with saline (saltwater solution) by the manufacturer. Unfilled, saline implants can be inserted through a small incision under the arm, through the belly button, under the breast, or around the areola making the incision easier to hide. Then, the physician fills and seals them. Small procedures can be performed to adjust the size and firmness of the implant.

One thing patients do notice with saline implants is their feeling and texture, which is often likened to a water balloon and is described as being hard. Improved surgical techniques such as overfilling and placement of the implant behind the chest muscles have eliminated this somewhat.

Physicians warn that, while these two types of breast enhancement may be different, they both carry risks. Breast pain, infection, scar tissue, and permanent damage are possible with this type of procedure and may require additional surgery. Leakage or rupture is also possible, but patients generally notice the deflation of the saline almost instantly. When Silicone implants leak, the gel collects in the tissue and may go unnoticed. Lastly, patients need to be aware that both types of implants can interfere with breast cancer detection.

Breast enhancement is still a popular procedure for reconstruction and beautification purposes. And, until the ideal solution has been found, there is no clear choice of implants. In the end, the patient will need to weigh the options carefully and choose the one that meets her needs and lifestyle.

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