One option for your breast augmentation is a saline implant: when compared to silicone, saline implants require a smaller incision and its easier to detect a leak or rupture (because the body absorbs the saline). While silicone implants look and feel more natural than saline, some clients still prefer the dramatic appearance and smaller incision that comes with saline implants.
Saline breast implants are filled with salt water, so if they do rupture, your body will just absorb the solution without harming you. This does make a rupture easy to detect, since your breast size will change noticeably, allowing you to notify your doctor and have them replaced as soon as possible. Saline implants are placed into the breasts when empty, and then filled. This is why they allow for a smaller incision, which lessens risks associated with larger incision sites.
Common risks associated with saline implants include capsular contracture, or a hardening of the tissue surrounding the breast implants, as well as wrinkling and rupture. These risks are also present with silicone implants. Saline implants are not lifetime medical devices, and may need to be replaced after several years.
Saline implants are FDA approved in patients who are 18 years old or older, and are incredibly safe. For many years, saline implants were the only implant FDA approved for use in breast augmentation. They are not linked to any autoimmune issues or other illnesses.
Perhaps the largest risk associated with saline implants is that they might not appear as natural as silicone, or as natural breast tissue does. Saline solution doesnt move or feel like natural breast tissue, so if youre seeking a subtle, natural look, silicone implants might be more appropriate for you. However, this isnt a safety risk!
Our Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Fadi Nukta, will explain all the safety risks associated with breast augmentation and with your selected implants during your consultation at our Northern Virginia office. He will answer any questions you have, and will help you determine which form of implants is better for you based on your body type and desired outcome.
To schedule your consultation (or to have any questions answered), please call us at (703) 574-2588.