Breast Implant Types - Saline vs. Silicone

At Colorado Plastic Surgery Center, Denver cosmetic breast surgeon, Dr. Nick Slenkovich uses both saline and silicone implants with equally positive results. He believes in caring for one patient at a time in order to provide the individual attention each patient deserves. As such, the decison of which type of breast implant is a personal and individualized decision. Our entire staff strives to provide information about your implant choices that is the most up-to-date and accurate available to help ensure you make an informed decision.

Silicone Breast Implants

For years, saline implants were the only option for breast augmentation, however in 2006 cohesive silicone gel implants were approved for the procedure. In the past there were concerns about health issues associated with the rupture of silicone breast implants. Today silicone gel breast implants are filled with a cohesive gel substance. The durable new silicone gel can be pulled, pushed or even cut without losing it's shape. This advance in breast implant technology has minimal concerns with leaking making it a safe and popular option for breast augmentation.

Many patients believe that silicone breast implants have a softer, more natural feel and appearance. Silicone implants also tend to have less chance of visible rippling making it a preferred option for women who are naturally thin or have less existing breast tissue.

Silicone implants are placed into the body pre-filled. Becuase of this the preferred incision location for placing the implants is in the infamammary crease below the breast. Silicone implants also require a slightly larger incison site, however the majority of patients do not notice a difference especially if they follow proper scar care recommendations after breast augmentation.

Becuase silicone breast implants are made from a cohesive gel, an MRI may be required to determine if there is a rupture in the implant casing. As such, the FDA recommends an routine MRI beginning three years after implantation and every other year moving forward. Many plastic surgeons, including Dr. Slenkovich, and plastic surgery associations, including the ASAPS and ASPS, believe this recommendation to be excessive and encourage MRI screenings at 10 years following implant placement and every five years thereafter. Patients with silicone implants are encourage to seek an MRI if there is a change in the breast implant or breast itself.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are filled with a saline, salt and water, solution. Some patients feel more comfortable with this implant since saline water does not have an adverse reaction if it leaks into the body. Saline implants used at Colorado Plastic Surgery Center are filled at the time of insertion during the breast augmentation allowing for slightly more flexibity in controlling the volume of the implant.

Which type of breast implant is best?

This question is answered differently for each patient depending on weight, body type, skin thickness and personal preference. Dr. Slenkovich may make a specific recommendation for the best implant choice during the initial consultation depending on these factors, however which type of implant you choose is a personal preference decision.

The following are some questions you should consider before choosing your implant type:

• What is your desired look?
• Which type of implant will look the most natural for your body structure?
• Do you prefer that your new implants provide a subtle change, or do you want an obvious change?
• Do you prefer full rounded breasts, or a more natural contour and curve, such as a teardrop shape?
• What size of implant is the most desirable to you? This question should be answered realistically because an implant with a larger diameter than that of your natural breasts can shift out of position.

The decision to undergo Denver breast implant surgery is a very personal one that requires a lot of careful consideration and discussion with your surgeon. To schedule a consultation, please contact Colorado plastic surgeon, Dr. Nick Slenkovich today.