Breast Implant Exchange Surgery: 3 Key Points Of Silicone vs Saline Implants

Making The Case For Saline vs Silicone Implants

Of all the plastic surgery procedures available on the market, breast augmentation is one of the most popular options. Data suggests that in 2018 alone, over 313,000 augmentations were performed in the US. With so many people opting to increase bust size by getting breast implants, the fact that multiple implant options exist is unsurprising. There are a variety of materials to choose from, the most common choices are saline and silicone. Both are approved by governing health organizations for use in the US. Yet, depending on the individual, overall enhancement goals, and long-term plans, one material may be a better option.

The basics of saline and silicone implants

The actual materials used in saline and silicone implants behave differently, which is why understanding the differences is critical. However, both have an outer silicone shell, making the two virtually the same regarding exterior composition. Still, differences in texture and surgical outcomes should be considered when picking implants. Saline implants are usually inserted empty and then filled, which allows for smaller incisions. On the other hand, silicone implants are already filled before insertion and require larger incisions.

1. Implants have age restrictions

Breast augmentation isn’t a procedure typically offered to underaged women unless required secondary to reconstructive measures to treat cancer or an injury. More importantly, implants are age-restricted. For saline implants, people must be 18 or older, while silicone has a higher age restriction of 22 unless being used for reconstruction.

2. Silicone can feel more natural

A common drawback of saline implants is a phenomenon known as wrinkling or rippling, where the actual folds of the exterior shell might be visible under the delicate skin on the breast. The problem is due to the thin, watery nature of the fill material. By contrast, silicone implants contain more viscous material, which behaves or feels more like natural breast tissue. As a result, wrinkling or rippling is less likely.

3. Both types carry different risks

As with any surgery, getting or exchanging implants isn’t entirely risk-free. The risks are usually minor but differ depending on the material. Saline implants are more likely to rupture, but the issue may go undetected until the fluid completely drains and one breast has a dramatically smaller volume. Silicone ruptures are also possible, but gel-like composition keeps the material trapped inside the implant shell or surrounding scar tissue, making detection less likely. In both cases, the risks of rupture complications are very low.

Reasons for implant exchange

Implant exchange, where a person undergoes surgery to replace existing implants, is actually a common procedure. Some reasons for the operation can include rupturing, wanting to increase or decrease volume, opting for a breast lift, or to swap out the material, or change the shape of the implant. Consider speaking with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the best implant options for an exchange surgery.