Getting a breast augmentation plastic surgery is a big decision. There are multiple options to choose from. Silicone and saline implants are the two primary types of breast implants. Both make use of a silicone shell filled with different materials. Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel whereas saline implants are filled with sterilized saline solution.
A responsible cosmetic surgeon will explain the differences between the two and their individual risk profile in detail to help you make a well-informed decision. Graham Plastic Surgery, led by accomplished board certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Graham, provides breast augmentation surgery to patients in Rochester, NY, and surrounding communities.
Silicone vs. Saline Implants: FDA Approval
Most women that choose breast augmentation cosmetic surgery don’t experience any significant side effects. Taking all of this into account, there are always potential complications and risks that need to be considered. Both silicone and saline implants are FDA approved. Saline implants gained FDA approval in 2000 whereas silicone implants were given FDA approval in 2006.
There was a brief period when silicone implants lost their approval. Correlating with that information, after extensive research the claims were found to be baseless and the implants were again FDA approved. Saline implants are allowed in adults over the age of 18 while silicone implants are allowed in adults over the age of 22.
Saline vs. Silicone Implants: Surgery Risk
Every surgical procedure carries inherent risks. Breast augmentation has its own set of risks because of the surgical procedure. You can develop issues from infection, anesthesia, and bleeding. There’s no difference in the risk profile of saline and silicone implants. Moreover, since saline implants are inserted without being filled, the surgeon doesn’t need a large incision. Saline implants are filled after being inserted in place.
Saline vs. Silicone Implants: Implant Rupture
There is a real risk of rupturing in both saline and silicone implants. There is visible deflation when a saline implant ruptures. Pertaining to this, the fluid will get absorbed by the body as it has the same composition as bodily fluids. This is not the case with silicone implants. In most case, patients don’t even come to know that their implant has ruptured.
This is one of the reasons why silicone implant ruptures are also known as ‘silent rupture.’ You may only notice a slight change in the shape and size of your breasts. The leaking silicone gel may get trapped within the capsular contracture. This can cause pain in the breasts among other complications. Often times, an MRI is required for confirming or detecting a suspected silicone implant rupture.
Saline vs. Silicone Implants: Other Risks
Textured implants can cause rare complications. The FDA has warned textured implants can lead to Breast Implant Associated Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). It causes systemic symptoms, such as fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog. Saline implants with textured shell have a high failure rate and no longer produced.
This risk might only be present to some degree with silicone breast implants now. In accumulation of this, many studies and extensive research has debunked these associations and claims. One of the best cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Graham receives patients from Rochester, NY, and nearby areas for breast augmentation surgery.
Contact Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, David Graham, MD, in Rochester, New York
To learn more about the plastic surgery treatments and procedures performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, David Graham, MD please contact us.
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Dr. Graham receives patients from Rochester, Victor, Fairport, Pittsford, Brighton, Irondequoit, Henrietta, Syracuse, Buffalo, New York and surrounding areas.
