The term "breast augmentation" does not apply only to getting surgery for larger breasts, it also refers to making breasts look nicer. The two main types of breast implants are silicone and saline. While both types have benefits, they also have their drawbacks. In addition, cohesive gel implants are in the process of being tested.
Silicone
Silicone breast implants are filled with an elastic silicone material that has changed since they were created in 1961 and first implanted in 1962. Even though the formula for silicone breast implants has been altered over the years, it is purported by both surgeons and patients that the saline substance feels most like a natural breast.
Saline
Saline breast implants, first used in France in 1964, are filled with sterile salt water. The amount of water that is inserted into the implant can have an effect on the size, firmness, and natural shape of the breasts.
Saline vs. Silicone
Even though silicone implants feel more like real breasts than saline implants, they are also considerably more risky than saline implants. Silicone implants leak more easily than saline ones, and when they leak, it can cause different levels of illness and poisoning in the patient. If a saline implant leaks or is popped, it will simply be absorbed into the body without consequence. This is something that women must consider when thinking of getting breast implant surgery. Both types sag with time, just as a natural breast might. In terms of shape and a natural look, women with saline implants have reported rippling of the breasts.
Cohesive Gel
A new technology that is currently being tested is cohesive gel. While silicone implants are liquid gel (or silicone), cohesive gel implants are a solid gel. These implants were created so that the breast retains a more natural look and does not sag as easily as saline and silicone implants. To obtain these implants, women must participate in a trial as these implants are not available to the general public (as of 2009).
Talking With a Doctor
To determine which implant would be best for her, a woman should seek out an American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) board certified surgeon and set up a consultation. The doctors offices keep samples of breast implants on hand so that patients can feel them. The surgeon can provide additional information about what kind of implant would be appropriate for the current and desired breast size of the individual.
Tags: breast implants, saline implants, silicone implants, than saline, being tested
