Saline vs. Silicone – Comparing Breast Implant Types
Breast implants are made with either saline liquid or silicone gel. Each choice has unique advantages and drawbacks that Dr. Alizadeh will discuss with you in depth during your private consultation. Below is a basic overview of the pros and cons of each option.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are pre-filled with a viscous gel that closely mimics the look and feel of natural breasts. This authenticity is a major reason why silicone devices are the most popular in the world. The implants come in a wide array of shapes and sizes, allowing for ultimate customization. Silicone devices are also less likely to succumb to rippling. The cons of silicone implants include their higher price tag and the fact that if they rupture or leak, it can be difficult to detect just by looking at the chest. Patients must have their implants monitored on a regular basis to check for ruptures and other complications. Lastly, the age for FDA approval is slightly higher with silicone devices – 22 instead of 18.
Saline Implants
In terms of their benefits, saline implants can be inserted unfilled, allowing for a smaller incision and minimized scarring. These devices are filled with sterilized salt water that is harmlessly released into the body if the implants rupture, and ruptures can be detected quickly due to obvious breast deflation. Additionally, saline implants are typically more affordable than their silicone counterparts. They also allow for the correction of breast asymmetry, since each implant can be filled to a different capacity, balancing the chest appearance. When it comes to the drawbacks of saline implants, the disadvantages include the fact that the devices only come in one shape, round, which may not be appropriate for every patient. Saline implants also feel firmer than a normal breast, detracting from a sense of authenticity for many patients. They are also more prone to rippling in women with thinner breast tissue.
Sientra “Gummy Bear” Implants – Dr. Alizadeh’s Top Choice for Quality and Safety
Dr. Alizadeh typically recommends Sientra silicone gel implants, often referred to as “gummy bear” implants, due to their safety profile, durability, and natural feel. Dr. Alizadeh was also part of the original clinical trials when Sientra implants were FDA-approved, which speaks to his confidence in their safety and performance. He can perform an augmentation with saline, but silicone is his preference. The term "gummy bear" refers to the implant’s cohesive silicone gel. Unlike older generation silicone implants, these implants are form-stable, meaning that even if the outer shell were to rupture, the gel inside holds its shape and remains within the shell, not leaking or migrating throughout the body. This greatly enhances safety and peace of mind.
