Breast augmentation cosmetic surgery involves surgical insertion of saline or silicone breast implants. The plastic surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of both types of implants and recommend the most appropriate implants for a particular patient.
Dr. Hisham Seify provides breast implant plastic surgery to patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and surrounding areas. As an experienced cosmetic surgeon, he will consider the safety and appropriateness of breast implant type, size, shape, profile and texture, before making the best recommendation to the patient.
What is Safer: Saline or Silicone Implants?
Both saline and silicone breast implants have been approved by the FDA for breast augmentation cosmetic surgery. Saline implants are allowed to be used on women above the age of 18, while in case of silicone implants the minimum age must be above 21. The FDA approvals, which are granted after extensive reviews and clinical studies, make it quite clear that both implants are safe for use in plastic surgery.
One of the key concerns has always been that silicone implants contain soft silicone core, which can pose some risk to the patient’s health in case of implant rupture. The silicone gel may flow to other parts of the body, which can cause trouble. This risk is eliminated in the case of saline implants because they contain a saline solution that is completely biocompatible. In case of a saline implant rupture, the saline solution will become absorbed naturally by the body, and the patient will not be at any risk.
However, the advancements in silicone implant qualities in recent years have made them the implants of choice for many patients as well as cosmetic surgeons. The cohesive silicone gel core that is used in the implants today does not flow out of the shell to other parts of the body in case of an implant rupture. Some of the latest qualities in silicone implants use highly cohesive silicone gel, which will not flow out even when the implant core is cut into two halves.
In terms of aesthetic appeal and natural touch and feel, patients may exercise their personal preference. Many patients choose silicone implants over saline due to their better touch and feel. As an experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Seify presents all the safety and aesthetic aspects of both types of implants before his patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and other areas. He makes sure that the patient is in a position to make an informed decision to suit her personal safety and aesthetic goals.
Post-operative Risk
Studies to evaluate the potential risks with breast implants have not found any connection between the implants and any serious diseases. However, most patients may need an implant replacement surgery at least once in their lifetime. Over time, implants may wear out, lose their shape or position, or develop capsular contracture, which can cause the need for a revision surgery. In some cases, the patient may need to replace implants due to a change of aesthetic needs or changes in the body.
Click here to schedule a consultation or call 949-251-1502