18 Apr Saline Implants are Having a Moment
When it comes to breast augmentation, there are two primary “types” of implants: saline and silicone. Both are available at Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center, along with the “gummy bear implant,” another subtype of silicone breast implant. Silicone breast implants have surged in popularity in the past few years, due in large part to the gummy bear implant that is known for being very realistic to the touch. However, saline breast implants have also seen an uptick in interest, and with good reason. There are benefits to saline implants that you might not have considered—especially if you’re under the age of 22.
Saline breast implants are the “original” type of breast implant, though of course improvements have been made over the years since they first debuted as the gold standard in breast augmentation. One of the reasons they are so in-demand right now is because of the interest in natural ingredients when it comes to just about everything, including plastic surgery. Neither silicone nor saline breast implants are likely to rupture, but in the rare chance that they do, saline has some major benefits.
For starters, it is obvious when a saline breast implant has been damaged. This is a good thing because you know right away to see your doctor. Again, this is extremely rare, but it is critical to take care of breast implants just like you do the rest of your body. Silicone implants do not have a visual sign that they have been damaged because silicone is not liquid. This means that it is very important to keep your routine check-ins with your doctor so that you can have peace of mind that your breast implants are healthy and safe.
Benefits of Saline Breast Implants
Saline is also completely safe and natural for the body. It is the same mixture of water and salt that makes up your contact lens solution. This has been a big draw for many patients in recent years who want to feel and look their best, but want to do so using natural materials that the body easily accepts.
Another perk of saline breast implants is that they are available for adults younger than 22 years old. Many patients are surprised to find out that you must be at least 22 to qualify for saline breast implants. The number is arguably arbitrary considering everyone develops at different rates, but that is the age the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) selected. According to the FDA, since the body continues to develop beyond the age of 18, patients considering silicone should be required to wait a few years. If you are under the age of 22 and eager to get the body you want and deserve, silicone is an option for you.
Customizing Saline Breast Implants
There are many ways to individualize your breast augmentation beyond choosing saline vs. silicone. The size (ccs) and shape are, of course, going to be selected by you under the guidance of your doctor. Those interested in a more natural outcome are increasingly drawn towards a teardrop shape rather than round. You also have an option when it comes to placement above or below the chest muscles. For those who desire a natural look, going under the chest muscles can help achieve this. Plus, it increases how natural the breast implant feels with more natural tissue on top of them.
The incision also plays a role, but this will be decided by your doctor. In some cases, a patient might be a good candidate for a breast augmentation and a breast lift, which will inform incision length and location. Yet another bonus to saline breast implants is that the incision does not have to be as long compared to a silicone implant. This is because saline implants are filled after placement while silicone implants, of course, are the decided size prior to placement. If you want to minimize incisions and scarring, a saline implant might be your best choice.
Breast implants can last several years, and in fact many of them do not have an expiration date—meaning they can potentially last a lifetime. However, a lot of patients decide to shape up their look every 15 – 20 years, changing the size, shape, or material of their breast implants. However, this is still a major decision that will positively impact your life for years to come. You deserve to work with only the best. Contact Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center today via phone or complete the online form to book your consultation.