Pluses and minuses of breast enlargement with silicone and saline implants: procedures, safety, side effects and benefits

Many women want a bigger and fuller breast size. One of the favorite fast ways to have the dream breast shape is through breast implants. The types of breast implants themselves also vary, from silicone implants to saline implants. If you are considering enlarging breasts with implants, first read the following article to explore the difference between the two and the risks and side effects of each.

Overview of the breast implant procedure

The procedure to enlarge the breast is included in the category of cosmetic surgery, although it can also be done as a reconstructive effort after a mastectomy due to breast cancer. Usually this procedure involves implanting an implant.

A breast implant is a disk-shaped sac filled with fluid that is deliberately inserted under the breast tissue or under the chest muscles to enlarge the breast or improve its shape. The use of breast implants is not valid for life. American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and American Society of Plastic Surgeons said that the average lifetime of implants is only 10-20 years. If you have passed this time period, you will need to go back to undergoing surgery to replace the implant.

Know the types of breast implants, along with their plus and minus considerations

There are two types of implants used for breast augmentation surgery, namely saline breast implants and silicone breast implants. Here are the considerations between the two:

Saline implants

The saline implant bag is made of silicone, but is filled with sterile salt water (saline water). The surgeon will make a small incision underneath or on the outer side of the breast to insert the implant. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of saline implants for breast augmentation surgery with a minimum age requirement of 18 years.

Because the texture and consistency of the contents of the saline implant is made of water, the final result you feel is more like a water balloon that does not have the elasticity and density of fat tissue like real breasts. However, if your real breasts are big enough, this is not a problem.

When a saline implant breaks, you will usually know right away. Even so, rupture of this implant is not dangerous at all because your body will immediately absorb all the seeping salt water.

Silicone implant

As the name suggests, silicone breast implants are made of a silicone shell which is also filled with silicone gel. Silicone implants are approved for breast augmentation in women aged 22 or over and for breast reconstruction in women of all ages.

Silicone implants are a better choice than saline implants for women who do not have a lot of fatty tissue in their breasts. This is because the silicone gel texture is similar to a chewy candy can give a more natural appearance closer to the original breast tissue. Silicone implants are lighter in weight than saline implants, which reduces the risk of sagging breasts due to implants that degenerate due to gravity.

Generally, many women choose to use silicone implants because they feel more like real breasts than saline implants. Even so, the incision made to insert a silicone implant is larger than that of a saline implant. hence, the possibility of scarring from the surgery will be clearer.

Silicone implants pose a higher risk to your health if they break. You may not realize it right away, but over time it can cause breast pain or even a change in breast shape. If this happens, your doctor may recommend that you replace it with a new one. Silicone breast implants that break do not cause breast cancer.

How about the cost?

In Indonesia alone, the average cost of breast enlargement surgery starts from IDR 20 million and above, as stated by dr. Irena Sakura Rini and quoted by Metrotvnews.com. Silicone breast implants can cost more than saline implants.

Since each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, consult with your surgeon about which breast implant is best for you.