When deciding to have breast augmentation, one of the most important decisions a woman will make before her surgery is whether to get saline or silicone gel breast implants. Each type of implant offers distinct benefits, so it’s a good idea to fully understand the pros and cons of each type in order to get the best possible outcome.
When Saline Will Suffice
Although silicone dominates the world of breast augmentation at our office, some patients still opt for saline implants. Saline is typically popular for younger women between the ages of 18 and 21, since the FDA has not approved silicone implants for cosmetic use in women under the age of 22. Beyond those limited by age, some women choose saline for economic reasons since silicone implants are a bit more expensive.
Silicone Reigns Supreme
Nearly two-thirds of women having breast augmentation choose silicone gel implants over their saline counterparts. Many surgeons recommend (and many patients prefer) silicone gel implants because they tend to look and feel more like natural breast tissue when compared to augmentations performed using saline. The cohesive nature of the gel also blends better with surrounding tissue, helping to prevent the visible rippling that can sometimes occur with saline implants. This benefit is especially appealing for thin women with limited breast tissue who are concerned about the implant being visible or obvious.
Although silicone implants aren’t automatically the best choice for every woman, there’s no denying that silicone offers some very clear and distinct benefits when it comes to ensuring beautiful breast augmentation results.