Breast Augmentation – Saline Or Silicone Implants?

If you are contemplating on getting a breast augmentation treatment, you might be unsure whether to choose saline or silicone gel implants. You could be wondering what the differences are between a saline and silicone breast implant.

Dr. Harikiran Chekuri, founder of the state-of-the-art Redefine Plastic Surgery Center and a highly-skilled cosmetic surgeon in Hyderabad, says that the most common questionshe hasbeen asked from numerous patients about breast implants include:

• Are breast implants safe?
• What are the dangers of breast implants?
• Should I go for saline or silicone gel implants?
• What can happen if your implant tears?

Read on to understand the different aspects of breast augmentation to help evaluate your options. But first, let us understand what breast augmentation is.

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast Augmentation, sometimes called Augmentation Mammoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that involves enhancing or implanting the breast. The term makes it clear that this procedure is used to increase breast size.

The procedure involves inserting breast implants underneath your breast tissue or chest muscles.

Breast augmentation is performed for the following reasons:

• You may have naturally small breasts and want to enlarge them
• You want to restore the size and shape of your breast post-pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight reduction
• Your breasts are asymmetrical and you want to change that
• Your breast was removed or disfigured by surgery and you would like to correct that

The eminent cosmetic surgeon in Hyderabad, Dr. Harikiran Chekuri, adds that in cases of severely sagging or dropped breasts, breast augmentation alone will not be sufficient. Here, breast lift surgery may be necessary in addition to breast augmentation.

There are 2 techniques for breast implants – saline and silicone.

Silicone implants involve a silicone case that is pre-filled with silicone gel. Silicone gel is a thick and sticky fluid that strongly resembles human fat in texture. Many women believe silicone implants come closest to real breast tissue in appearance and feel.

Women aged 22 and above can avail silicone breast implants for breast augmentation, while women of any age can get silicone breast implants for breast reconstruction.

Studies have shown that both saline and silicone implantations are generally regarded safe if performed by a professional, board-certified surgeon.

Can Breast Implants Pose A Risk To Me?

Breast implants made of saline or silicones have similar risks, including:

• Scar tissue is a natural healing process, but in some women the scar tissue capsule becomes abnormally hard and tightens around the implant (capsular contracture), distorting the shape of the implant
• Infection
• Breast pain
• Strange sensation in the nipple and breast, usually temporary
• Implant rupture or leakage

Any of these issues could necessitate additional procedures, either to replace or remove the implants. Furthermore, some breast implants carry a small risk of developing BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma), a type of cancer.

Dr. Harikiran Chekuri, a renowned plastic surgeon and hair transplant specialist in Hyderabad, points out that the highest risk appears to be implants with polyurethane outer shells and textured silicone. BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer, even though it arises in the breast tissue, but it may require surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation to treat.

Saline Implant Rupture

If a saline implant ruptures, it will deflate and change the shape and size of the affected breast.

The leaking sterile saline will be absorbed by your body without causing health problems, but the silicone shell will require surgery to be removed.

A fresh implant can most likely be put during the surgery if desired.

Silicone Implant Rupture

If a silicone implant ruptures, the free silicone is likely to get confined in the capsule (scar tissue) that grows around the implant, so you might not realize it right away – maybe never. This is referred to as a “silent rupture.

Due to the free silicone getting trapped in the fibrous scar tissue, you may experience breast pain, the affected breast may thicken, and the contour or shape of your breast may change.

If this occurs, your doctor will most likely recommend that the implant be surgically removed. A fresh implant can typically be put in at the same time.

The cost of a breast implant procedure varies depending on where you live, how popular the procedure is, how qualified the surgeon is, and how much experience the surgeon has.

It is vital to note that the plastic surgeon’s prices do not cover any additional costs related to the procedure. You should think about the entire cost of the surgery, the cost of the implants based on your choices, and other things like:

• Charges at the hospital
• Fees for anesthesia
• Pre-surgery medical testing
• Prescription medications

You should also factor in the cost of post-implantation MRIs, which are advised every few years to ensure that there is no leaking.

Neither the saline implant nor silicone implant is a long-term solution. Up to 20% of women have had their breast implants replaced or removed within 8 – 10 years, either due to ruptures or aesthetic reasons.

The acclaimed cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Harikiran Chekuri, states that most women prefer a silicone implant for the breast in Hyderabad due to its overall natural look and feel. Please do not hesitate to consult with him about the breast implant cost and the best option available to you.

Dr. Harikiran Chekuri established the world-class Redefine Hair Transplant and Plastic Surgery Center in 2014 with the express purpose of positively impacting people’s lives.

He is among the leading plastic surgeons in Hyderabad, with more than 14 years of experience in the advanced face, plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgeries. He has over 10,000 surgeries under his belt and is highly regarded for his cutting-edge techniques.

A breast augmentation treatment can be a life-altering and significant decision for you, as it boosts your self-esteem and confidence in your personal and working development. Breast lift surgery is among the most popular procedures in India because it is less expensive than in other western nations.

But, more crucially, rather than focusing on costs, it is important that you select a plastic surgeon with extensive experience and knowledge in breast surgery and a track record of producing positive results for their patients. The most important consideration should always be the effectiveness of the treatment you are receiving, as well as your comfort and well-being.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Harikiran Chekuri, a highly knowledgeable and esteemed cosmetic surgeon in Hyderabad,  to know about the best available solution for you.