The Pros and Cons of Silicone Breast Implants
Our Ottawa plastic surgery centre offers numerous solutions for women who want to enhance the size and improve the shape of their breasts. If women are interested in boosting their cup size and having fuller breasts, breast augmentation surgery is an excellent option.
The perennial question about breast augmentation surgery is “Should I get silicone breast implants or saline breast implants?” We'd like to focus on silicone breast implants in particular, going over the risks and benefits associated with this option.
About Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants are probably the most well-known types of breast implants available. They consist of silicone gel inside of a shell of silicone. This is different from saline breast implants, which consist of saline solution inside of a silicone shell.
The Advantages of Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants remain popular because of their primary cosmetic benefits:
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Excellent Texture – The silicone gel in the breast implants feels more like natural breast tissue than saline breast implants. The improved texture is a major reason for their overall popularity.
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More Natural Appearance – In addition to the improved texture, silicone breast implants also tend to look more natural than saline implants. With silicone implants, there is no chance of rippling, which is an issue that can affect the appearance of saline breast implants.
The Disadvantages of Silicone Breast Implants
While there are notable advantages to getting silicone breast implants, it's important that patients consider the following disadvantages:
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More Expensive Than Saline Implants – In general, silicone breast implants are more expensive than saline breast implants. This needs to be taken into account for surgeries.
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Incisions Made on or Around the Breasts – Given their composition, silicone breast implants need to be placed through implants made around the areola or along the underside of the breasts. Silicone breast implants cannot be placed through armpit or belly button incisions.
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Danger of Ruptured Implants – When silicone breast implants rupture, they can be much harder to detect than saline breast implant leaks. This can lead to health issues if not addressed in a timely manner.
What Should I Know About Ruptured Silicone Breast Implants?
When a breast implant ruptures, this means that its capsule has been broken. Sometimes a ruptured silicone breast implant will not cause any issues since the silicone gel within will remain in the capsule. If the silicone gel escapes, this can lead to serious problems, particularly if the gel reaches other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes or other organs.
Patients should remain attentive about any changes in breast size or breast shape after getting implants, particularly if this occurs after suffering some form of physical trauma that affects the breasts. Pain and discomfort of the breasts are also common symptoms after a rupture, or if scar tissue forms around a ruptured implant.
Weighing Your Options for Breast Augmentation
As you can see, it's important to consider the benefits as well as the risks when it comes to any sort of surgery. During your consultation at the practice, we can go over these matters in much greater detail, allowing you to make smart and confident decisions about your breast enhancement surgery options.
Learn More About Breast Augmentation Surgery
For more information about breast augmentation and how it can help you achieve the curves and contours you're looking for, be sure to contact our cosmetic plastic surgery centre today. The team at our practice looks forward to your visit and discussing all of your options in greater detail.