If you’re considering breast augmentation in Brisbane, you’ve likely heard about the different breast implants available including saline vs. silicone implants, and are likely confused as to what is best for you. With the help of skilled practitioners such as Dr. Philip Richardson this choice is made easier, but for those only just starting their research it can be daunting. This blog post aims to provide a brief synopsis of the key characteristics and differences between saline vs silicone implants. This article is for informational purposes only. The decision of which implant is right for you should be the result of a consultation with a plastic surgeon.

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What are the different types of breast implants? Saline vs. Silicone Implants

The two main breast implant types offered in Australia are silicone and saline implants. Silicone is the most commonly used, and the vast majority of plastic surgeons in the country now use silicone implants. This being said, both silicone and saline implants have their pros and cons. Breast augmentation is a very individual service, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving a “good” result. A plastic surgeon will have the experience to assess your anatomy and goals to create the optimal treatment plan for you. While this blog post provides insight into the pros and cons of the two main breast implant types, it is not a substitute for a meaningful consultation with your surgeon who will ultimately know which approach is best for you.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants have an outer shell made of silicone, filled with saline solution (sterile salt water). The key advantage of the saline implant is that it is inserted empty, and filled once it is in the breast pocket. The benefit of this is twofold. Firstly, inserting when empty means the size of the incision can be considerable smaller, resulting in a more “invisible scar”. Secondly, filling the implant on the operating table can allow the surgeon to tailor size exactly to the patient’s anatomy. This takes the guessing game out of choosing an implant size.

These benefits may seem pretty attractive, so why don’t we use saline implants more in Australia? The main reason is that if a saline implant ruptures, the breast will deflate. A rupture will cause the saline solution to reabsorb into the body. While this has no immediate health risk as it is a sterile solution, the breast will be visibly deflated. Re-operation is generally desired as soon as possible, but is often not viable with a patients lifestyle and finances. This is a clear obstacle to the use of saline implants.

Another drawback of saline implants is that they have a high incidence of “rippling”. Rippling is a complication that occurs when the implant has visible folds that can be seen on the sides of the breast or in the cleavage. You can imagine a ziplock bag filled with water will have rippling in the sides and this rippling will decrease as the bag is filled with more water. There is subsequently a significant risk of overfilling of saline implants in an attempt to avoid rippling, which can in turn increase the risk of rupture.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants are the primary implant type used in Australia today. As the name suggests, both the shell and gel are silicone-based. New generation implants like Motiva Implants  have a continuous shell and gel, meaning that instead of having an outer-layer that is filled, the implant is one cohesive product. This reduces complications such as rippling and rupture. When a silicone gel implant ruptures, it is often a silent rupture. This means it is not visible to the naked eye, and often presents no symptoms. Consequently, implant removal or replacement is not a matter of urgency. Breast implant ultrasound is required to detect silicone gel implant rupture.

New generation silicone implants have a cohesive gel that stays relatively intact, meaning there is no “leakage” in the event of rupture. Due to the nature of these implants, they are implanted in their pre-determined size and shape. This means the incision size must be slightly larger to fit both implant shell and gel, and implant size must be determined prior to the operation. Despite these shortcomings, silicone gel implants have the most natural feel, most customisable shape and size, and the best long-term outlook for patients.

How do I determine which implant is right for me? Saline vs. Silicone Implants

Deciding whether a saline vs. silicone implants are best for you is not a clearcut answer. While most patients in Australia receive silicone implants, there are always exceptions to the rule. You should always speak with a fully-qualified plastic and reconstructive surgeon before setting your heart on any option. Having an open mind will be an important trait during your surgical journey.

Why should I choose Dr Richardson?

More than an experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr Richardson is a professional, and trusted practitioner who operates with empathy and integrity. With the help of his nurses, he provides all patients with the most comfortable, trustworthy, and stress-free journey to their aesthetic goals. From consultation, to surgery, and years down the track, Dr. Richardson is by your side and a phone call away to ensure you are cared for. Put your surgery in the breast expert’s hands today and call Dr Richardson’s office on 07 3268 3774 to schedule your first appointment or contact his office online to learn more about implants. You can view our before and after breast augmentation photos on Instagram.