Saline vs. Silicone Gel Implants

Many women interested in breast augmentation wonder about the difference between saline and silicone gel implants, what their associated risks are, and which may be better for them. Boulder Plastic surgery provides breast augmentation with gel implants to Boulder area women, as well as procedures with saline implants. BPS prides itself in providing an environment in which patients feel safe and confident. Learning a little about the difference between the two options may help you to make a more informed decision about a future procedure with us.

Learning about the Difference Options Available in Breast Augmentation

Saline implants are silicone sacs filled with a sterile salt water solution. During a breast augmentation surgery, they are inserted into the breast empty and then filled with the solution. If they break anytime after the surgery, risk to the patient is relatively minimal because the body will simply absorb the salt water.

Silicone implants on the other hand are filled with a thick, sticky silicone gel. Many patients agree that silicone implants feel more like natural breast tissue than saline implants. The health risks of silicone implant ruptures are not widely known, though they are typically considered a higher risk procedure than saline implants. Besides costing more than saline implants, regular MRI’s are recommended for patients with silicone implants to make sure that the implants have maintained their integrity. This is another added cost.

Though it may take decades, most breast implants require replacement after a period of time. Be sure to consider this, especially with the type of implant that interests you, when factoring costs.

After any kind of breast augmentation surgery, the breasts will be sore and sensitive for several weeks. Patients might also experience some nipple sensitivity, swelling, and bruising. Some degree of exercise can typically resume after several weeks.

For more information about breast augmentation, please view our onsite article about the procedure.

Learn More at Boulder Plastic Surgery

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you think breast augmentation might be right for you. We would love to talk to you about the different options we have available. BPS offers other procedures, including breast reductions, facial rejuvenation, and whole body makeovers. You can find us in Boulder at 2525 4^th Street.