Breast Implants - Saline Vs. Silicone

Breast Implants - Exactly what are they?

Breast implants are virtually all made of a round or shaped silicone elastomer (rubber) shell, and are now commonly filled with a saline solution (salt water). Saline solution is used to fill the implant because it is similar to the fluids in your body, and will be absorbed by your body should the implant leak or break.

In 1992, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) greatly restricted the use of breast implants filled with silicone gel pending more information on their physiological effects. McGhan Medical saline-filled implants are FDA approved, and are available on a prescription basis from a licensed physician.

Are All Breast Implants Created Equal?

Generally, all saline-filled breast implants are made of a silicone elastomer shell with a filling valve, for filling with the saline solution. However, to better meet each individual woman’s needs, breast implants come in different shapes and sizes.

Round breast implants tend to produce a more rounded appearance to the upper breast.

Shaped breast implants are designed to reflect the slope of the breast.

The cases presented here are only examples to illustrate possible augmentation results with McGhan Medical shaped and round breast implants. Your results may be different, depending on many factors, including your existing anatomy, personal preferences, and the surgical techniques used. As might be expected, wearing a bra can further “push up” the breasts to create additional cleavage. Your surgeon may be able to provide you with additional examples and insights based on his or her own experience to help you visualize how your augmentation might look, with and without wearing a bra.