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What Kind of Breast Implant Is Right for Me?

Are you getting ready for breast augmentation surgery? One important decision you’ll need to make as you prepare is choosing your breast implants. Dr. Hendrick will help you with your decision and will happily answer your questions about implants during your breast augmentation consultation. Call us today and schedule your appointment.

Saline or Silicone: Which Type of Implant Is Right for Me?

Before we delve into the differences between saline and silicone implants, let’s first look at the one thing that really matters… the end result. Both choices can create stunning breasts. Yes, there are differences between the two types of implants, but both are excellent choices.

Saline implants are FDA approved for cosmetic breast augmentation in patients 18+. Silicone implants are only approved for women 22 and up. If you’re in the 18-21 window, saline implants are the only option available.  For women 22 and up, you’ll be able to choose saline or silicone.

Saline Implants

Saline implants consist of a silicone outer shell, which is filled with a sterile saline solution. They have many benefits including:

  • Can Be Filled Once in Place: Saline implants can be filled once in place so often a smaller incision can be used.
  • More Affordable: Saline implants tend to be less expensive than silicone.
  • Easy to Tell if Ruptured: If a saline implant ruptures, the saline solution leaves the implant and is absorbed by the body. It is easy to tell if you have a rupture. Silicone implants require imaging to confirm a rupture.
  • Easy to Remove: If you decide to remove your saline implants, they can often be deflated and removed without an extensive surgery.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are a silicone shell with a silicone gel filling. Silicone implants have their own list of benefits. These include:

  • More Natural Feel: Many women think that silicone implants look and feel more like natural breasts. (Saline implants can feel very natural when placed under the muscle however.)
  • Less Chance of Rippling: Silicone implants are less likely to ripple than saline.

Dr. Hendrick may have a specific recommendation of an implant type depending on your anatomy and your goals.

Size Matters

In addition to the choice between saline and silicone, you’ll also need to choose which size of implant you’ll be using. Come in to your consultation with an idea of what you’d like your breasts to look like. Are you wanting a little increase in size? Do you want to make a big change? Focus on the end look you’d like (pictures are a big help) rather than a specific size. Bra sizing varies greatly and is not an accurate way to choose implant size. Tell Dr. Hendrick what you want to look like and he can choose the right size implant to achieve that look.

Call us today and schedule your consultation with Dr. Hendrick.