Whether you’re looking to correct uneven breasts or just looking for larger breasts to fill out your clothing, breast augmentation can give you the size and shape you’re looking for, but which implants look the most natural? Saline and silicone breast implants are both FDA-approved and look natural in a majority of patients. However, there are three ways these implant options differ including:
Saline and silicone implants both offer a natural look, but saline implants have a higher chance of visible rippling. This rippling can show on the side, bottom or between your breasts when you lean forward. You’re more likely to have a rippling effect if you have thin skin, lower volume of breast tissue and breast implants placed over your muscles. Rippling with silicone implants is rare due to the thicker cohesive gel involved.
Your breast implants may last a lifetime, but sometimes they can rupture. When a saline implant ruptures, your breast will decrease in size or “deflate.” Your body will naturally absorb the leaking saline. When a silicone implant ruptures, it’s not as obvious because the silicone gel stays within the pocket surrounding the implant. This is why women with silicone implants are encouraged to have an MRI done every few years to check for a rupture. Whether you have saline or silicone implants, the rupture will rarely cause health complications, but will need to be surgically removed and/or replaced.
Breast implants made of silicone or saline have a similar look to them, but they often differ in feel. Many women prefer silicone implants because the thick gel best mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Although, sometimes silicone implants can feel firmer, depending on the amount of cohesive gel used in the breast augmentation process.
The best way to know which breast implant will look more natural on you is to schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon in Maryland by calling 301-567-6767. Bella Cosmetic Surgery serves clients throughout Maryland, Washington DC and Virginia.