Saline vs. Silicone Breast Implants: Are They Safe?

All breast implants have an outer shell made from silicone, which is an inert polymer. The shell can be designed to be textured or smooth. Smooth walled implants mimic the natural movement of breasts by rolling around the breast pocket subtly. On the other hand, textured implants have small surface spaces and encourage soft tissue ingrowth for keeping the implant in place.

Breast implants in all sizes, shapes, and textures have either silicone gel or saline water in their core. There is no one-size fits all when it comes to breast implants. You should consult with a skilled and knowledgeable plastic surgeon to understand the right alternative to best fit your goals. 

plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides breast augmentation surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations.

Saline (Sterile Salt Water Core) Implants

Saline filled breast implants can be inserted in any patient above the age of 18. In this procedure, a silicone shell is inserted into the body. It’s then filled with saline fluid by a plastic surgeon to the desired volume. Saline solution has the same consistency as water. There is a high risk of wrinkling and rippling in saline implants if the patient has thin breast skin. 

Silicone Gel Implants

Silicone gel does not have any known human allergies, reactions, or sensitivities as it is an inert polymer. The molecules within the implant stick to each other like a gummy bear candy in a cohesive matrix. Silicone is a more viscous substance as compared to saline. It flows differently within the shell and usually offers a more natural feel and appearance to the breasts. Silicone gel implants can be inserted in patients of 22 years of age or older as per FDA regulations. 

Saline or Silicone Implants: Which is Safer?

Both saline and silicone implants have similar safety profile when they are surgically placed by a plastic surgeon. They are both considered safe. In accumulation of all of this, saline implants are considered safer by some experts because salt water can get reabsorbed by the body if the implant ruptures without any negative implications. You can know of implant bursts immediately in case of saline implants. This will let you take the necessary steps immediately. 

Saline vs. Silicone Breast Implants: Rupturing

Both silicone and saline implants have the potential to rupture. Saline is a sterile solution which gets reabsorbed by the body. You will notice saline ruptures right away as the breast will appear deflated. You would need to get a removal surgery for removing the silicone shell. 

Silicone implant ruptures can be difficult to detect since silicone gel can easily get trapped in the fibrous capsule around the implant. Leaks of this kind are known as a silent leak. You may only notice a slight change in the appearance of the breast. Leaking silicone can cause change in the breast shape and pain if left alone. 

You would need to remove the implants in both cases of rupturing. Based on this, you have the option of having the new ones inserted/replaced in the same plastic surgery procedure. Successful and highly competent committed cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and nearby areas for breast augmentation surgery.

Schedule a Consultation with Beverly Hills California Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kim

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

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Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.