Breast Implant Options
Breast Implants in Houston, Texas
For women having breast augmentation, one of the most important decisions is which breast implant to use. There are two types of breast implants: saline breast implants and silicone breast implants. Both are made of an outer silicone shell. Where they differ is the substance that is inside the implant. Saline implants are filled with a sterile salt-water solution, while silicone implants contain a thicker silicone gel. Both types come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures. Each has its own benefits.
Dr. Ciaravino uses both saline and silicone implants with great success. During your consultation, he will discuss all implant options and help you decide which is best for you.
History
Saline and silicone breast implants were both developed in the 1960s. Because of their natural look and feel, silicone became the implants of choice for millions of women. However, in 1992 the Food and Drug Administration restricted the use of silicone implants to investigate the safety of these devices. After two decades of intense study and research, the FDA declared silicone gel breast implants safe and approved their use in the United States. This is great news for patients and plastic surgeons who now have a choice of implants.
Saline Breast Implants
- Filled with sterile saline (salt-water). Since saline is like normal body fluid, it is safe and easily absorbed if the implants were to leak
- Leaks easily detected due to implant deflation
- Saline is filled after the breast implant is placed
- Unfilled saline breast implant is able to fit through Dr. Ciaravino’s extremely small incision (less than one-inch in length)
- Volume of saline can be adjusted to meet your desired goal or to correct a size difference between the two breasts
- Less expensive than silicone implants
- Rippling may be felt or seen in thin patients, but rarely occurs due to placement behind the chest muscle
