There are pros and cons in choosing between silicone or saline breast implants. Silicone is more pliable and less likely to rip, while saline implants are filled with saltwater. These implants require a smaller cut, but also look less natural. These implants are not recommended for women who have very little breast tissue.
Shaped implants are designed to replicate the natural teardrop shape found in breast tissue
Shaped breast implants look more natural than round implants. They have a thinner top, and then gradually fill out to the point below the nipple. This shape is popular among women who are looking for a natural enhancement. These implants can also be filled with silicone gel. They are less likely than round implants to cause ripples, folds or creases.
Silicone implants are less susceptible to rippling
Rippling is common with saline implants, but the amount of rippling is usually less noticeable with silicone implants. Because silicone implants are filled with a cohesive gel, this is why it is so easy to see the difference. This gel closely resembles the skin and the natural breast tissue. Silicone implants are less likely to cause rippling, so these types of breast implants may be more suitable for thin or petite women.
Saltwater is added to saline implants.
The sterile saltwater solution used to fill the saline breast implants is sterile. These implants can be prefilled or filled during the procedure. They are available in a variety sizes and shapes. Some may be smooth and others may be textured. They have been FDA approved for breast augmentation in women aged 18 and over. They are also used frequently in breast reconstruction.
Gummy bear implants contain a more firm silicone gel
Gummy bear breast implants have a silicone gel that is firm and less likely to crack after surgery. The firm silicone gel, and teardrop shape of the implants help to keep their shape and reduce the possibility of capsular contracture. The implants are stronger than regular silicone or standard saline and have firmer shells.
Women aged 22 or older can get saline implants FDA-approved
The breast implants made from saline are filled with sterilized seawater. These are cheaper and more versatile that silicone implants, which are usually placed intraoperatively. Saline implant can be shaped to fit patient's specific needs. They have also been approved by the FDA for women over 22 years old.
Capsular contracture is less common with saline implants
Study results have shown that silicone breast implants are more susceptible to contracture than saline implants. There are a few caveats in these findings. First, patients must agree to fund a reoperation, and it is important that they acknowledge this in their written informed consent documents. Additional reoperations can worsen the condition and increase risk of tissue compromise.