Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Parham A. Ganchi offers two breast implant options for New Jersey patients: saline and silicone. During your initial breast augmentation consultation at Ganchi Plastic Surgery, you and Dr. Ganchi will discuss your aesthetic goals to determine which type of breast implant is the better choice.
Benefits of Each Implant
Both saline and silicone implants have their own set of advantages depending on patient needs:
Saline Implants
Saline implants provide a reliable option for breast augmentation due to their straightforward design. In the rare event of a leak, they will deflate, and the enclosed salt water will be safely absorbed by the body. No special follow-up is needed. Additionally, saline implants can be filled to the desired size during the surgical procedure, offering flexibility in achieving your preferred breast contours. This adaptability makes saline implants an attractive choice for many patients.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are well-known for closely mimicking the natural feel and movement of breast tissue. Unlike saline implants, silicone ones retain their shape even if they rupture. The gel may remain within the shell or leak into the surrounding area without causing immediate risks. Because silicone is not absorbed by the body, MRI or high-resolution ultrasound is recommended to evaluate the integrity of the implants periodically.
Furthermore, silicone implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, allowing for personalized options that cater to individual body types and preferences.
Choosing the Right Implant for You
Selecting the type of implant usually comes down to:
- Body type
- Lifestyle
- Overall medical history
- Allergy contraindications
- Other patient-specific considerations
Saline breast implants are FDA-approved for enhancement in women 18 or older, though they may be used for breast reconstruction in younger women. On the other hand, silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for women 22 or older, with similar exceptions.
Incision Techniques
The incision necessary for saline implants can sometimes be slightly smaller, since the salt water solution is typically added after the implant shell is placed. In both cases, the incision location would either be inframammary (under the breast), periareolar (around the nipple), or transaxillary (through the armpit). Dr. Ganchi doesn’t recommend the transaxillary approach.
Recovery
The healing process for both saline and silicone implants is generally similar, with most patients experiencing moderate and temporary discomfort, and swelling regardless of the implant type.
Breast Implant Costs
Saline implants generally come at a lower cost than silicone implants, making them a budget-friendly option for many patients. However, it’s essential to consider factors beyond price that can significantly impact overall satisfaction and results, such as the:
- Natural feel
- Appearance
- Long-term monitoring requirements
Discuss Your Breast Surgery Options With Dr. Ganchi
Going through your breast implant options in New Jersey is often the most complicated part of breast augmentation planning for patients. Contact Ganchi Plastic Surgery today to go over the details and make an informed decision with Dr. Parham A. Ganchi.