The decision making process has only just begun when you decide to have breast augmentation. As you prepare for your surgery, we’ll meet with you to discuss several important decisions related to the procedure. Some of these include the best type of implants for your body and whether these implants will be placed over or under the chest muscle. These decisions might sound difficult, but we’ll help you understand your options and will offer recommendations. Call and schedule your breast augmentation consultation today.
Saline vs. Silicone – Does it Really Matter?
When it comes to implants, you’ve got options. We offer saline and silicone implants (including “gummy bear” or cohesive gel implants). Both options can produce stunning, natural looking results. In some cases, however, one option is better suited for a patient’s needs than the other. We’ll help you decide.
- Saline Implants– Saline implants are FDA approved for breast augmentation in patients who are age 18+. They are typically less expensive than their silicone counterparts. They are filled with a sterile saline solution that is quickly absorbed by the body should a rupture occur. This allows for easy detection of leaks and ruptures (the breast will deflate). These implants can often be placed through a smaller incision since the implant is filled once the shell is positioned inside of the breast.
- Silicone Implants– Silicone implants are FDA approved for patients who are age 22 or older. They cost about $900 more than saline implants but feel very natural, even when out of the breast. They also have a lower chance of rippling. Since the breast doesn’t deflate when a rupture occurs, it can be more difficult to spot a leak or rupture (although implant rupture has not been linked to any health problems).
- Gummy Bear Implants– All silicone implants are made of a cohesive silicone gel, but only those with the highest levels of cohesion are known as gummy bear implants. As the name implies, they feel similar to gummy bears. These implants are believed to hold their shape more effectively and shouldn’t have problems with rippling or folds. The filling is mostly solid, so leakage is unlikely should a rupture occur.
With careful placement and sufficient natural breast tissue, many patients can achieve excellent results from both saline and silicone implants. Each of these implant types are available in a variety of shapes; we often use anatomical shaped implants for a more natural look.
Watch this video for more information from Dr. Gingrass on whether to choose saline or silicone implants.
What You Need to Know About Breast Implant Placement
Implants can be placed over or under the pectoral muscle. Both placement types have advantages, and the best option for you will vary depending on the type of implant used and the amount of breast tissue you have.
- Subglandular Placement– With subglandular placement, the implant is placed over the muscle but behind the glandular tissue in the breast. This option is best for those who have a fair amount of natural breast tissue. There is a higher risk of wrinkling and a higher risk of capsular contracture with this type of implant placement. The surgery tends to be less painful than submuscular placement.
- Submuscular Placement– If you don’t have much natural breast tissue, placing the implant below the chest muscle can help your breast augmentation results look more natural. This adds an extra layer of coverage over the implant. It can reduce the appearance of wrinkling and hide the borders of the implant. One downside of submuscular placement is that the implant will move as the chest muscles contract (animation deformity).
Watch this video to see Dr. Gingrass discuss the pluses and minuses of both types of breast implant placements.
Learn more about your breast augmentation by scheduling a consultation. During this appointment, we’ll examine your body, make recommendations about implant type and placement, and answer any questions you may have about breast augmentation. Call and schedule your consultation today.