Breast Implants - Silicone and Saline

Silicone and Saline Breast Implants

Breast implants come in a variety of shapes, surface textures, and sizes. Depending on the desired shape you wish to achieve, you and your plastic surgeon may choose a round or shaped breast implant. Generally, the larger you want your cup size, the larger the implant the plastic surgeon uses (measured in cubic centimeters, or cc's).

Breast implants are indicated for females for breast augmentation surgery where the patient is at least 18 years of age, and for reconstruction of the female breast.

Virtually all breast implants are 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 saline implant because it is similar to the fluids in your body, and will be absorbed by your body should the implant leak or break.

Silicone gel implants come pre-filled, meaning that there is no fill to be added. The only real drawback to a pre-filled implant is that the incision will have to be a bit longer, depending on the size of the implant to be inserted. This is especially true for textured silicone, which is a somewhat firmer than smooth silicone, due to the thickness of the shell. Another reason that textured silicone requires a longer incision is the fact that the shell is textured. Because silicone gel breast implants come pre-filled, they cannot be inserted via the TUBA incision (nor can any other type of pre-filled implant).

The incisions through which saline breast implants are inserted can be made in a number of locations. Traditionally, incisions for saline breast implants resulted in an 'anchor scar' outlining the breast crease and areola, although recently, incisions from saline breast implants are usually hidden in the armpit crease, or even inside the bellybutton.

There are two types of saline-filled implants. One type is a fixed volume implant, which is filled with the entire volume of saline at implantation. Another type is an adjustable volume implant, which is filled intraoperatively and has the potential for further postoperative adjustment.

The links to the right on this page contain more information about breast implants. Your plastic surgeon can provide you with information that fully explains the risks and complications associated with breast implants and the surgery itself. It is recommended that you read all of the information provided before scheduling surgery, so that you have plenty of time to ask questions and evaluate all of your options. View breast implant photos.