If you are someone who is considering a breast enlargement procedure, a big decision that you are going to have to make is which type of breast implant you get.
Legally, in the UK, there are currently two types of implants that can be used: saline and silicone.
Both options are completely safe, and the choice between the two entirely depends on your personal preference.
At New Birkdale Clinic, we offer both saline and silicone implants, so you can contact one of our expert surgeons to learn more about the two types of breast implants.
If you are still unsure about the types of breast implants, this blog should further your understanding of silicone and saline implants.
What are Saline Implants?
Saline implants differ from silicone implants in that they are empty when first inserted. Once in the breast, the implants are filled with sterile salt water. The outer shell of the implant is still made of silicone.
Saline implants are one of the more popular options in terms of the different kinds of breast implants available.
What Are Silicone Implants?
Much like saline implants, silicone implants have a silicone outer shell, but instead of saline water, they are filled with silicone gel. Unlike saline implants, silicone implants are filled before they are inserted.
Silicone implants are the most commonly used implants in the UK, and they are renowned for their natural look and finish.
The Differences Between Saline and Silicone Implants
Both implants are perfectly good options, and each has its own positives and drawbacks. In fact, it could be challenging to tell the difference between them to the untrained eye.
However, once you actually have them, these differences become apparent, so it is better to understand them before committing to one of the implant types.
The Look of The Implants
A significant difference between the two implants is how they look. Silicone implants can easily create a rounder, perkier, and more natural look to your breasts.
If you want a distinctive and noticeable difference in your breast, saline implants can provide this look. This is why they are a popular option for working models, as they create the aesthetic that is popular in the industry.
Though silicone may make your breasts appear rounder and perkier, they do look more natural than you would expect, and they can even appear more natural than saline implants, which have a much firmer appearance.
Of course, other factors can influence their appearance, such as choosing between teardrop and round implants.
The Feel of The Implants
A big difference between the two types of implants is how they feel.
Silicone implants provide a more natural appearance and feel closest to natural breasts. Due to their greater flexibility, they also offer natural movement.
Saline implants are a lot firmer and tend to be heavier, meaning they feel much less like natural breasts.
Incision Size
Incision size is something that a lot of people tend to worry about when getting a breast enlargement or even a breast lift.
Depending on your anatomy and your surgeon’s opinion, both saline and silicone implants can be inserted above or below your chest muscles. This will be decided during the consultation process.
Because saline implants are not filled until they are already in the breast, the incision is often quite small and, depending on the circumstance, heals to be relatively unnoticeable.
Because silicone implants are already filled upon insertion, the incision necessary for insertion is typically larger. The size of the implant can also have an impact on the size of the incision.
How Long The Implants Last
Understandably, another important factor of the process to consider is longevity. When you pay for something, you want it to last.
You’ll be glad to know that there are no significant differences in longevity between silicone and saline implants.
Both are expected to last between 10-20 years, so you will get a considerable amount of time out of your breast implants.
Something that you should consider is that it is typical for people to have their implants replaced after around 10 years, so you may wish to do the same.
The Cost of Saline and Silicone Implants
As you can imagine, saline is often the more affordable option between the two implants. On average, silicone is often more expensive due to how it is made.
At Birkdale Clinic, we have a rundown of all breast augmentation costs so you can better understand what you are paying for regarding your procedure.
We also offer a varied selection of implant brands and shapes, so don’t be afraid to take the time to get to know each implant.
The Potential of Implant Ruptures
Though they may seem scary, implant ruptures are actually incredibly rare occurrences.
Though they are rare, they can still happen, and the liquid within your implant can leak into your body, so it is important to be aware of that possibility.
If a silicone implant were to rupture, it could create issues. Though the silicone gel is non-toxic, it can travel to other parts of the body, causing pain and discomfort.
Conversely, if a saline implant ruptures, the liquid would easily be absorbed back into the body. However, you would still need to have the silicone shell removed.
If you are worried about the impact of a rupture on your body, you should perhaps look further into saline implants, as they are the safer option of the two.
Silicone Implant Pros and Cons
Now that you know a little more about both silicone and saline implants, we can explore the possible pros and cons of using either, starting with silicone.
Pros
- A more natural-looking breast.
- Are considered to be more comfortable by patients.
- Less likely to experience folds or ripples.
Cons
- The more costly option.
- Less safe in case of rupture.
- Can leave a large incision scar.
Saline Implants Pros and Cons
The following are the pros and cons of using saline implants.
Pros
- Much smaller incision point.
- More affordable.
- Safer.
Cons
- Can look unnatural.
- More likely to ripple or fold.
- Does not feel the same as breast tissue.
The Choice is Yours
Now that you know more about the different types of breast implants, the choice is yours. Book a consultation with one of our expert surgeons today to learn more details about the cost and procedure.
If you are still unsure about your options and need further information and advice, you can also contact us without a consultation.
At Birkdale Clinic, we pride ourselves on bringing confidence to women all over the North West, so we are happy to guide you through the process. We suggest you take a look at the implants that we offer.
