Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetic Lounge | Dr. Kevin Sadati | Dr. Whitney Florin

Which is the Champ: Water or Gel?

Which is the Champ: Water or Gel?Women who are considering a breast augmentation surgery are faced with the choice between which implant they think is better: saline implants or silicone implants? Currently, these are the only two options available that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and both have their advantages and disadvantages. Here is a quick rundown on the comparison between saline and silicone and which one is the right choice for you:

Saline

Unless it is used for reconstructive purposes, the minimum age for saline breast implants is eighteen. Most doctors will agree that eighteen is the earliest age because that is when the underlying muscles and tissues are able to support the weight of an implant. Saline implants are silicone shells that contain a sterile solution of saltwater. They are available in textured and non-textured exteriors, high and low-profiles, and in two different shapes: tear-dropped and round.

Generally, the shells are inserted into the breast and then filled in order to accommodate the patients desired size. The primary benefits of a saline augmentation are smaller insertion incisions and higher safety. In the event of a rupture, the patient will sense it immediately and can move quickly to take corrective action. The primary disadvantage of a saline implant is its fragility. They are more likely to wrinkle or rupture than a silicone implant.

Silicone

Despite a somewhat muddied reputation, silicone implants are approved by the FDA for patients aged twenty-two and up. The gels used in these implants have improved dramatically over the last decade and the implant substance has become much safer. In fact, these types of implants are far less likely to rupture than their saline counterparts. The primary benefit of a silicone breast augmentation is that it is more natural feeling than a water-filled one. Some disadvantages of silicone are that it actually takes an MRI to detect a rupture and they require larger incisions to implant.

If you are considering a breast augmentation, you are in good company! It is consistently one of the most popular procedures in Orange County and Newport Beach, California and your surgeon can help you decide which type of implant is best for you.

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