Choosing Between Silicone and Saline Breast Implants

There are two main types of breast implants, silicone- and saline-filled. Both come encapsulated in a silicone shell. Texas-bred, Harvard-educated Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kiran Polavarapu uses her artistic eye and lengthy background in reconstructive surgery to ensure you look and feel your best, whichever style you choose.

The difference between saline and silicone

Over 310,000 females used either saline or silicone breast implants in 2018 alone and over 100,000 received breast reconstruction that usually incorporated implants, as well. 

Saline, a naturally occurring substance, is essentially sterilized saltwater. Silicone implants, on the other hand, use a synthetic gel crafted from natural elements, such as silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. Dr. Polavarapu uses both types at her Polavarapu Plastic Surgery, PLLC office in Fort Worth, Texas.

Silicone implant advantages

The United States Food and Drug Administration approved both silicone and saline implants. Silicone breast implants are, in fact, the most widely researched medical device in history. Dr. Polavarapu uses silicone implants that resist aging, moisture, and high temperatures, so they work very well within your body. Due to silicone’s thicker consistency, these implants hold their shape better than those filled with saline. These also tend to feel more lifelike.

Benefits of saline implants

While patients must be 22 or older to use silicone implants, Dr. Polavarapu can use saline breast implants on anyone over 18 years of age. Both types employ a silicone shell. In addition:

• Dr. Polavarapu makes a smaller incision with saline implants since they can be filled after insertion. She can also make minor adjustments by filling the saline implants during additional surgeries.
• Should saline implants rupture, the liquid is absorbed by your body. The shell remains, which Dr. Polavarapu can simply refill. Silicone, on the other hand, often remains trapped in the shell, so these must be entirely removed and replaced after a tear.
• Saline implants pose fewer health risks due to their more natural makeup. 

Dr. Polavarapu helps you weigh all the pros and cons to decide which type of breast implant, if any, is right for you.

Maintaining your breast implants

Once you decide to proceed with implants, Dr. Palavarapu instructs you on how to keep your implants in tiptop shape over the years. Should any scar tissue form around the implant, Dr. Polavarapu can usually adjust the issue through additional surgery. The doctor also recommends you maintain your new breasts and good health through:

• Consistent mammograms with additional X-rays, as needed
• MRIs every few years to check for any silicone leakage
• Discussing any health or implant changes immediately
• Replacing your implants every 10 to 20 years

Your body, your choice

Dr. Polavarapu realizes you choose breast implants for myriad of reasons, such as:

• Enhance your self-image
• Recover the look of your breasts following pregnancy or extensive weight loss
• Reconstruct your breasts following breast cancer to help you feel whole again
• Correct asymmetry between breasts
• Fix any sagging due to age

 Both saline and silicone implants come in a variety of widths, profile looks, and textures. We invite you to see and feel samples of breast implants at our office. Whichever implants you choose, Dr. Polavarapu can help you look like you always imagined or simply regain your looks following cancer. Just give us a call or book a consultation online at Polavarapu Plastic Surgery, PLLC, in Fort Worth, Texas to discuss all your options today.