Silicone vs. Saline Implants San Antonio
Breast augmentation can give a woman a beautifully feminine shape and boost her self confidence immensely. Using silicone or saline implants, renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Constance M. Barone adds volume and perkiness to a woman's breasts. Dr. Barone is respected both for her surgical precision and the artistry with which she customizes breast augmentations to suit each of her patients' unique goals.
Patients have several options that will determine the look and feel of their new breasts, including silicone vs. saline implants. We are also proud to now offer the MENTOR® MemoryShape™ implant option, commonly known as "gummy bear implants." During a consultation at our San Antonio plastic surgery center, Dr. Barone works with each patient to help her decide upon options that work best for her. If you are considering a breast augmentation, contact us today to schedule your appointment.
What is the Difference between Silicone and Saline Implants?
Silicone and saline implants have exclusive characteristics that are appealing to different women.
Saline implants consist of a collapsible silicone shell that is filled with saline (salt water) solution. They are filled partially or completely after the saline shell has been inserted into the breast. Because they are filled after insertion, saline implants can be inserted through more types of incisions, including transumbilical breast augmentation, or TUBA, through the navel.
Silicone implants are composed of a silicone shell pre-filled with silicone gel, and are available in a variety of sizes. They are fully filled when they are placed within the breast. Many patients say that silicone implants look and feel more natural than saline implants, as they are filled with a gel that mimics the feel of fat. Because of Dr. Barone's expertise in placing implants, both types can result in a beautiful, natural look.
Dr. Barone now offers MENTOR® MemoryShape™ implants as well. MENTOR® MemoryShape™ implants are a special type of silicone implants, often referred to as gummy bear implants. They are comprised of MENTOR® MemoryGel®, which is shaped in a more natural way to resemble the shape of a natural breast. Dr. Barone is one of only a few plastic surgeons in Texas certified to use the MENTOR® MemoryShape™ implants, which come in a variety of volume sizes to match each woman's unique goals.
Saline implants are generally less expensive than silicone and MENTOR® MemoryShape™ implants. During your initial consult, Dr. Barone will help you to better understand the cost of breast augmentation.
Breast Implant Risks
The predominant risk associated with breast implants is rupture. Because they are filled with salt water, breast implant revision following the rupture of saline implants is much simpler than replacing a silicone implant. While the implant will need to be replaced, the solution itself will be harmlessly absorbed into the body. Should a silicone implant rupture, it may not become apparent to the patient for a while, as the viscous gel stays in place. Silicone that enters the breast tissue can be more difficult to remove after time.
A risk associated with both saline and silicone implants is capsular contracture, a condition in which the scar tissue surrounding a breast implant begins to contract, distorting the shape and texture of the implant. Should this happen, the breasts may adopt an aesthetically unpleasant shape, and will need to be replaced. The best way to reduce the risks of breast augmentation is to choose an outstanding surgeon.
Contact Us Today
If you would like to learn more about your options in breast implants, we encourage you to schedule your consultation with Dr. Barone today. We can help you decide what type of breast implant will best meet your personal goals.
