Saline vs. Silicone Breast Implants

Serving San Francisco, San Jose, & Walnut Creek, California

Just a few years ago, the FDA settled the debate between saline breast implants and silicone gel breast implants. Silicone gel implants were banned for breast augmentation procedures in the 1990s based on several lawsuits brought against manufacturers. Finally, in November 2006, the ban was lifted and silicone gel manufactures were allowed back into the United States market place.

The FDA ban and subsequent approval of silicone implants ensures a safer product. During the ban, silicone was still used on thousands of women for breast reconstruction surgery and women who could not use saline implants for various medical reasons.

Saline implants are still available, so now you have a choice on which type of breast implant is right for you.

Each type of implant has its advantages and disadvantages.

Saline

Advantages

• Safety – Between 1992 and 2006, saline implants have been used safely in the majority of breast augmentation procedures in the U.S. They have proven themselves to be safe and work effectively for thousands of women. If a rupture does occur, the saline does not cause any harmful effects and is readily absorbed by the body.
• Smaller incisions – Because most saline implants are inserted while deflated and only filled up after they are in place, smaller incisions are typically used.

Disadvantages

• Thinner fluid – Many women complain that saline implants often appear give the breast a rippled appearance because the saline is not as dense as natural breast tissue.
• More prone to rupture – While the saline itself is safely absorbed by the body, the implant devices themselves are more susceptible to rupture or leak.

Silicone

Advantages

• Denser gel – Many women feel that silicone gel implants provide a more natural look and feel because the gel more closely resembles the density of natural breast tissue.
• Closely monitored by FDA – As part of the agreement to allow silicone gel implants back in the U.S. market, manufacturers must meet strict guidelines including extensive product testing.

Disadvantages

• Safety – Even though silicone gel implants have proven safe and effective for decades in Europe and other countries, many people still fear health problem should an implant rupture.
• Age – You have to be at least 22 years old to elect silicone implants for breast augmentation surgery.

To find out more about breast augmentation surgery and which type of breast implant device you should choose, please contact San Francisco cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Weil today.