Breast Augmentation: Saline Vs Silicone

Many women choose to undergo breast augmentation surgery every year for a number of different reasons. One woman may have felt unsatisfied with the size of her breasts since she was in her teens, while another may need augmentation due to a medical disorder. These days many transgender women are choosing breast augmentation to help them feel more natural in their own skin. Many women find that breast augmentation helps them to feel more confident and sure of themselves. Breast augmentation is a great way to take control of a situation by choosing to act instead of just being content with what nature has given you. Whatever your reason for considering breast augmentation, there are several options that need to be considered before going under the knife.

One of the first decisions you will need to make (following the decision to have the surgery) is which type of implant you want. There are two types commonly used: Silicone and saline.

Silicone

 Silicone breast implants are basically small bags filled with silicone that are inserted from the underside of the breast. 

      Pros: One reason that many women choose silicone breast implants is that they have a texture that is very similar to actual breast tissue. Some people find it quite difficult to tell the difference between natural breasts and silicone implants.  Another pro is that should the worst happen (if your implant should rupture or break open) someone with a silicone implant may not even notice a problem. Silicone does not damage breast tissue and is not known to cause cancer.

     Cons: A con to silicone is that since the implant is inserted as a whole, the incision site below the breast is larger than the incision for a saline implant. 

Saline

Saline implants are basically small bags of salt water that can be pumped up to the desired breast size. 

     Pros: As previously stated, the incision site of a saline implant is smaller than that of silicone. This is due to the fact that empty bags are placed inside the breast and then saline is injected to fill the breast as needed. 

     Cons: Should a saline implant rupture or break, it can be very obvious. The breast will basically deflate, making a very noticeable difference when compared to the other breast.

Your doctor may have suggestions as to which type of implant they feel would work best with your body and lifestyle.