Here in 2008 you have many choices....and that applies equally so to the type of breast implant that you may want for your breast augmentation. Both saline and silicone breast implants are available and each one has its own unique advantages....and disadvantages. Your plastic surgeon should guide you through the relative merits of each...but in preparation for that breast augmentation consult....
Saline implants have the following benefits: 1) They are put in deflated, rolled up, and inflated after they are in proper position. Therefore, they can be put in through very small remote incisions such as the armpit, 2) They cost less than silicone, typically $1,000 less per operation, and 3) They are the most natural material (salt water) so if they leak, you are essentially just taking a big drink of water. Saline implants have the following two liabilities: 1) Rippling, wrinkling, crinkling (however your prefer to describe it) is a not uncommon feature. In other words, you will be able to feel, and sometimes see, ripples along the bottom and sides of your breasts. Most saline breast implant patients will experience this 'normal' appearance, 2) The risk of spontaneous deflation (rupture of the implant) is ever present and increases the longer the implants are in place. When a saline implant fails (ruptures), you will know it almost immediately because you will develop a 'flat tire' quite quickly. Estimated lifespans of saline implants are between 10 and 20 years.
Silicone implants have exactly the opposite benefits and liabilities of saline implants. On the positive side, 1) Silicone breast implants do not have the ripple phenomenon that saline implants do. Therefore, they feel the most natural. Silicone implants, by feel, are natural and hard to detect, and 2) if a silicone implant ruptures, the filler material will not run out as it is like 'jello'. As a result, the breast does not deflate in size or get smaller. The ruptured implant is essentially undetectable, and as long as the breast remains soft and pain-free, you can live with a ruptured silicone breast implant without the need for further surgery. As a disadvantage, 1) A larger incision is needed to insert a silicone implant as it is pre-filled. The most common incision location for silicone implants is in the inframammary crease (breast fold). Remote incisions like the armpit, and often even the nipple, are not big enough to insert the implant through. And 2) they cost more than saline, at least $1,000 more in most cases. Lastly, the issue of potential health risks from silicone breast implants has been put to bed after many years of extensive studies by implant manufacturers and the FDA.
Choosing the type of breast implant for you should be based on accurate information......which of the negatives can you live with the best......risk of rippling and deflation (saline)......or higher cost and a bigger incision (silicone)...the choice is truly yours!
