What You Should Know about Saline Breast Implants
If you are unhappy with the size of your breasts, and you long for a larger chest and a more proportionate figure, breast augmentation may be the answer. However, if you are considering implants, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. How do you know which type is right for you? At our San Antonio practice, we offer both silicone and saline breast implants. Both can be great options, so the kind you choose will largely depend on your body type and the results you hope to achieve.
What Are Saline Implants?
Saline implants are made of a silicone shell, filled with a sterile salt-water solution. These implants come in both round and teardrop shapes, and they can be custom-filled to give you the volume you desire. Saline implants can also be smooth or textured, and your plastic surgeon will help you choose the right texture for a natural feel.
How Are Saline Implants Placed?
Dr. Barone can place saline implants in several ways. She may create a small incision around the nipple and areola. She can also place the implants through an incision under the natural breast crease or through an incision in the armpit. She also proudly offers the innovative TUBA procedure, or Transumbilical Breast Augmentation. Dr. Barone creates a single incision at the belly button, and she uses a surgical camera, or endoscope, to precisely place the implant. The TUBA technique involves a shorter scar than traditional placement procedures, and it also poses a lower risk for disrupting sensation in the breast tissue. At your initial consultation, Dr. Barone will discuss the best placement method for your breast augmentation.
What Are the Advantages of Saline Implants?
Saline implants continue to be a popular choice for a number of reasons:
- Because they are filled after placement, Dr. Barone can insert them through a smaller incision.
- The TUBA procedure can only be used with saline implants.
- If your implant ruptures, your body will naturally absorb the saline solution.
- Patients as young as 18 can benefit from saline implants.
- They can be custom-filled to meet your specifications.
- Saline is often the optimal choice for patients on a budget.
What Are the Disadvantages of Saline Implants?
Although saline implants can be an excellent choice, they do have some disadvantages, including:
- Silicone implants more closely mimic the feel of natural breast tissue.
- Saline is heavier than silicone, meaning there is a greater risk that your implants will shift downward.
- If your implant ruptures, your breast will immediately change shape and size. However, many women feel that this is an advantage, and they want to know immediately if there is a problem with their implant.
Schedule Your Consultation
To determine the right type of enhancements for you, you should schedule a consultation with Dr. Constance Barone, MD. She will thoroughly explain the advantages of both saline and silicone, and she will help you choose implants that will give you fantastic results and a huge boost of self-confidence.