How Do I Choose Between Silicone And Saline Breast Implants?

With a number of different breast implants to choose from, it can be difficult to understand which one is most appropriate for you. From size and shape to profile and placement, the selection of breast implants is virtually endless. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hakimi has a deep understanding of how various implant characteristics will look in women with different body types, needs, and goals. Along with his expert staff, Dr. Hakimi is committed to helping patients choose breast implants that will produce the most ideal outcome possible with breast augmentation in Beverly Hills, CA. Learn more about one of the first and most important decisions you’ll make before undergoing breast augmentation: silicone vs. saline implants.

What are my options for breast augmentation near me?

Most women who undergo breast augmentation in the Beverly Hills or Beverly Hills areas choose between various types of synthetic breast implants to achieve their ideal look. A third option, fat transfer to the breast, offers a more natural alternative to breast implants by utilizing the patient’s own fat from another area of her body to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. While fat transfer to the breast certainly has its own unique set of benefits, it may not be an option for women with an exceptionally low body fat percentage and/or those who are hoping for a dramatic size increase. For these patients, breast implants may be a more fitting option. During your initial consultation, Dr. Hakimi will carefully discuss your concerns and goals, evaluate your breasts, and determine whether breast implants or fat transfer may be most appropriate for you.

Should I get saline or silicone breast implants?

The decision between saline and silicone breast implants is ultimately a personal one, though a qualified and experienced surgeon will be able to advise you on which type of implant is most likely to help you achieve your ideal result. Some of the most noteworthy characteristics of each kind of breast implant include:

• Saline: Saline breast implants have been around longer than silicone and continue to be a popular choice among patients and surgeons alike. Saline implants are filled with a fluid saline solution that can be safely absorbed by the body should an implant rupture. Although saline implant rupture will result in a relatively immediate deflation and asymmetry, this can be corrected with breast implant replacement. Saline breast implants are approved for use in women 18 years of age and older.

• Silicone gel implants: A more recent addition to breast enhancement options, silicone breast implants contain a gel-like substance. In the event of implant rupture, the gel does not flow out of the implant shell. In many cases, it is virtually impossible to tell that a silicone implant has ruptured without imaging studies. However, ruptured silicone implants still require immediate replacement. Many people widely agree that silicone gel breast implants provide a more natural look and feel than saline implants, particularly for women with relatively thin skin, a low body fat percentage, and/or a small amount of native breast tissue. Silicone implants are also generally less prone to showing rippling compared with saline implants. Because silicone implants are only approved for patients 22 years of age and older, many younger women first choose saline implants and ultimately have them replaced with silicone at a later day.

How do I decide between silicone and saline implants?

Some critical factors that you and your surgeon will consider when deciding which type of implant is right for you include:

• Age
• Body type
• Weight/height
• Current breast size
• Amount of breast tissue present
• Desired outcome
• Lifestyle
• Personal preference

In addition to choosing between saline and silicone implants, you will also need to make several other decisions regarding your breast augmentation surgery. These may include:

• Implant size
• Implant shape
• Implant texture
• Implant placement
• Whether or not to add a breast lift

Selecting the best breast augmentation surgeon in Beverly Hills can give you confidence in choosing the right kind of breast implant for you

If you are excited about the possibility of enhancing your feminine figure with breast augmentation surgery, choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon is the first step. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about your surgeon’s education and training. Reading previous patient testimonials and browsing before-and-after photo galleries is also helpful for understanding what results may be possible for you.

To learn more about breast augmentation in Beverly Hills and whether it may be right for you, call our expert team to schedule your one-on-one consultation or virtual appointment with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hakimi today.