The Benefits of Silicone Breast Implants
Breast augmentation enhances the appearance of the breasts, increasing the size and improving the shape of the breasts.
There are many decisions to make when considering breast augmentation. One important decision is whether to use saline or silicone breast implants. While each has its advantages and disadvantages, today we'll focus on the benefits of silicone breast implants.
At our Little Rock, AR practice, Dr. Michael A. Devlin helps patients choose the right type of implant for their needs. To find out if breast augmentation is right for you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation Dr. Devlin.
About Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants consist of a silicone shell filled with a silicone gel. They closely mimic the look and feel of natural breasts.
The Benefits of Silicone Breast Implants
There are many benefits to choosing silicone breast implants for breast augmentation surgery. Silicone breast implants provide the look and feel of real breasts, making them a popular choice for women looking to enhance their bust line. Let's take a closer look at some of the benefits of silicone breast implants.
Natural Appearance
The silicone gel used in silicone breast implants closely mimics the natural fat within the breasts. Because of the similarity between the silicone gel and fatty tissue, silicone breasts are more natural in appearance than saline breast implants.
Natural Feel
Another benefit of silicone implants is that they help maintain a more natural feel in augmented breasts. This makes silicone breast implants feel more natural than saline breasts implants.
Less Likely to Wrinkle or Ripple
Rippling or wrinkling can occur after breast augmentation. Rippling looks like visible folds or wrinkles under the skin and is more common in women who have little breast tissue to cover the implant.
Rippling is less likely to occur with silicone implants, making them the preferred choice for many women who have undergone or are undergoing breast augmentation.
Overall Improved Aesthetics
Silicone implants improve the overall aesthetics of the breasts, enhancing the size, shape, and fullness of the breasts while maintaining a natural look and feel. Not only do silicone breast implants provide a more natural look and appearance than saline breasts implants, they are less likely to result in rippling or wrinkling.
The Disadvantages of Silicone Breast Implants
Although the disadvantages are minimal, it's important to be aware of them when considering silicone breast implants. Some disadvantages include:
- Requires larger incision than saline implants: Unlike saline implants, which are filled after placement, silicone implants are pre-filled. Because they are pre-filled, a larger incision is needed to place silicone implants within the breast.
- Ruptures can be more difficult to notice: Implant rupture is a risk with both silicone and saline implants. When saline implants leak, the saline will absorb into the tissue and the breast will typically look deflated. When a silicone implant ruptures, it is often more difficult to notice. Silicone gel leaks more slowly and doesn't absorb into the skin.
- Age restrictions: Women 18 or older who undergo breast augmentation for reconstruction purposes may get either saline or silicone implants. However, the FDA recommends women undergoing breast augmentation for cosmetic reasons should be over 22 years old.
Find Out More about Silicone Breast Implants
For more information about silicone breast implants, or to find out if breast augmentation is right for you, please call (501) 227-8811 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Devlin.
