One Detail of Many
Breast augmentation patients often come into their consultation phase of care wondering if they should get saline or silicone implants. This is just one of the many details that are important to the outcome of treatment. The primary difference between saline and silicone implants is that saline models are filled with sterile fluid and silicone implants are silicone all the way through.
Most patients have a preference for silicone breast implants. Many surgeons do, as well. The reason is that silicone gel is more lifelike. It looks and feels like natural breast tissue.ย An important point of consideration for silicone breast implants is that surgeons advise patients to get MRI imaging scans done every few years for the life of their breast implants. This is necessary because MRI imaging is, at this time, the only way to identify or confirm that a silicone implant has ruptured. Therefore, MRI’s are integral to long-term breast implant management.
Saline breast implants have a silicone shell that is inflated after the implants have been inserted into their selected location. Because they are filled after insertion, saline breast implants can be placed using a smaller incision. Still, there are potential disadvantages to consider. One is that the breasts may feel slightly firmer than is normal for breast tissue. Because of their firmness, saline implants are usually placed beneath the muscle. Placing them over the muscle could result in rippling that is visible on the skin.
Breast Implant Size
The question that most patients have alongside the type of breast implants that are best for them is what size they should get. The question or request is often posed something like this, “I would like to be a full C.” While a plastic surgeon understands this and knows how to translate bra cup size into a proper measurement for breast implants, it can be challenging for some patients to make this jump. When you talk with a plastic surgeon about breast implant size, you will hear the term cc’s. Breast implants are measured by their volume, not traditional bra size. Dr. Tattini considers multiple factors when helping patients select the right implant size. Examples include the width of the chest and the patient’s lifestyle. Regardless of height, a narrow chest may look unnatural with large breast implants. The opposite is also true. Patients with a wide chest are better suited to larger implants.ย Lifestyle factors in because patients who are very physically active may find larger implants somewhat restrictive.
A board-certified plastic surgeon can help you identify the best breast implants for your body. To learn more,ย contactย our Bloomington office at (309) 664-1007 for an appointment with Dr. Tattini.
