Saline implants have a silicone shell. They are filled during surgery with pure saline (sterile salt water). They are inserted while deflated, then expanded once they’re inside the breast pocket. Saline implants have the advantage of being adjustable intra-operatively. This can help in cases with marked asymmetry. Some patients also find comfort in knowing that if these implants leak, the saline fluid inside them can be harmlessly absorbed by the body.
Saline implants may not be suitable for patients with thin skin. This implant type is more likely to create visible wrinkles or ripples. Saline implants also look less natural than silicone ones. Their main disadvantage is the presence of the valve used for filling. Because it is glued to the body of the implant the valve is the most frequent site of leakage. This thankfully remains an infrequent event.
Silicone implants have a silicone shell filled during manufacturing with compact silicone gel. This closely mimics the consistency of natural breasts making these implants the preferred choice for most women. Current silicone implants are called “Gummy Bear” or “Cohesive Gel Implants” because their content is no longer fluid. These implants are highly durable and don’t typically display visible rippling or wrinkling. Contrary to popular belief, silicone is in many respects the safer implant type.
There are four different ways to create the retro-Pectoral (behind the muscle) pocket and introduce the implant. Every surgeon has his/her chosen method and should be able to explain her/his reasons. Dr. Anous will methodically and scientifically discuss his preferences. The access incision may however vary depending on the patient’s anatomy.
To view the results of breast augmentation surgery in different body types please view our gallery of “Before and After” pictures.