Breast Implants: Silicone or Saline

I came across an editorial in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal Feb. 2008, summarizing the differences between silicone and saline implants.  I find this summary very accurate and informative and recommend it to all my patients who are interested in breast augmentation.

1.  Saline implants have overall decreased capsular contracture and rupture rates compared with silicone breast implants.

2.  Saline Implants require a smaller incision for placement than silicone implants.

3.  Rupture detection for silicone implants depends on MRI scanning which the FDA recommends and is not likely to be reimbursed by insurance.

4.  Primary breast augmentation surgery is not an isolated (lifetime) operation and implants will (or may) need to be replaced for a variety of reasons sometime in the future. Revision surgery is often easier with saline than with silicone implants.

5.  Patient satisfaction is high with both types of implants.

6.  Saline implants have less of an effect on mammography detection of breast cancer.

7.  The cost of saline implants is roughly one half that of silicone gel implants.

8.  Both implant types require additional views to adequately image the breasts.

Find out if you are a candidate for this procedure by scheduling a consultation at either of our convenient office locations:

Lanacaster Office location – 1629 W. Avenue J, Suite 107, Lancaster CA.93534

Phone: (661) 949-0404 or our Century City, Beverly Hills location – 2080 Century Park East, Suite 501, Los Angeles CA.90067 Phone: (310) 203-8297