There are now three FDA approved choices when choosing breast implants: saline, silicone, and gel. What's the difference?
Saline implants are silicone shells filled with sterile salt water (saline). They are the least expensive and require the smallest incision. If a saline implant leaks, the water is not harmful to the body.
Silicone implants are silicone shells filled with a plastic gel (silicone). Silicone implants feel more like natural breast tissue. However, there is a greater risk if the implant should leak. Women with silicone implants will require routine MRIs or ultrasounds to assess the condition of the implants.
Gel implants, also called gummy bear implants, are also silicone shells filled with a plastic gel. A gel implant is filled with a thicker gel that retains its shape even if the shell is broken. They are tear-drop shaped, looking and feeling more natural, and they rarely wrinkle. Gel implants do require a slightly longer incision for insertion.
Holzapfel & Lied Plastic Surgery offers all three options. Contact us today for a complimentary breast augmentation consultation.