Dr. James Barber - Cosmetic Surgery Blog

In addition to differences in size, shape and textures, two types of materials are used for breast augmentation surgery: silicone gel and saline. Both are encased in a shell made from a silicone material, but the "inside" material differs in several ways. Although breast implants created from both materials have been used for a while, questions do remain regarding them.

Silicone Implants
Although the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) banned silicone as an implant material for many years, now they are considered safe and are used throughout the world. At one time, many adverse health conditions were suspected to be linked to the use of silicone, but research over the years has proven these concerns medically unfounded. The major benefit of silicone implants over saline implants has to do with the way they feel: Silicone is softer and to many, more realistic-feeling.

Saline Implants
Saline, being a natural element of the body, is very safe. Due to the past concerns regarding silicone, some doctors continue to recommend saline implants over their silicone counterparts. In the event an implant filled with saline ruptures, no injury occurs because the saline is dispersed harmlessly throughout the body. The only drawback most find when comparing saline to silicone lies in the somewhat harder feel of saline.

Better Implants, Lowered Risks
Both types of breast augmentation prostheses carry risks, but better manufactured implants and more comprehensive medical follow-up have lowered those risks significantly. To learn more, visit Dr. Barber's web site or call and schedule an appointment for a confidential consultation to find out more details and discuss the pros and cons of both silicone and saline breast implants.