The Battle of Breast Implants: Silicone and Saline

Women opt for breast implants to make breasts fuller and bigger. This can be done after a mastectomy or after treatment of breast cancer for cosmetic reasons. If you are considering breast implants, you may wonder whether to choose the saline or the silicone gel filled implants. Here are some ways to evaluate the available options:

Difference between Silicone and Saline Breast Implants

The silicone and saline breast implants come with an outer silicone shell. They simply vary in consistency and material. 

Saline Breast Implant: These are filled with sterile salt water. Inserted empty, they are filled only after they are in place. These are used for women who are more than eighteen years old for augmentation and on women of all age groups for reconstruction. 

Silicone Breast Implant: These are pre-filled using silicone gel. This is a sticky and thick fluid that mimics feel of human fat. Most women feel that these implants look as well as feel chiefly like natural breasts. These are available for women aged 22 and above for augmentation and to any age group for reconstruction. 

How the Procedure is Undertaken

Since the breasts continue to develop until a woman reaches late teens or early 20s, women need to be of a certain age in order to get the implants. While picking a surgeon, make sure to pick up someone with adequate experience. You are less likely to have complications if you opt for surgeons with at least two years experience in the relevant field. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make a cut under breasts, arms or nipples depending on your body, implant type and how much enlargement is being done. The implants are then put into a pocket below or above chest muscles. As soon as the implant is done, the surgeon closes the cuts with surgical tapes. 

Recovery after the Implant:

The breasts are covered with gauze after surgery. There may be drainage tubes as well that are removed after a few days of the surgery. You need to take things easy at least for a few days after the surgery. Do not lift anything heavy for up to 6 weeks after the implant. Mild swellings are common after the surgery. The swelling will ease and the scars fade with time. 

On the basis of anatomy, body type and an array of aspects, your surgeon will recommend breast implants for you ensuring optimal cosmetic results. However, the choice of silicone or saline implants will depend ultimately on you.