Until recently, saline filled breast implants had been the most widely used breast implants for breast augmentation in Louisville, Kentucky. From 1992-2006, silicone gel filled breast implants were unavailable for primary breast enhancement surgery in the United States. Today, Saline implants still play an important role for cosmetic breast surgery.
Saline filled implants have an outer shell made of silicone and the inner compartment that is filled with saline at the time of the operation. The implant has a valve on the top that a special filling tube is placed. The valve is self-sealing but also comes with a plug that is placed at the time of the surgery. Saline breast implants are generally over filled by approximately 50 cc more than the volume on the implant size.
Advantages of using saline breast implants include:
- Smaller incisions are used compared to silicone breast implants.
- Easier to manage asymmetry because the implants are filled at the time of surgery.
- Alternative incisions are possible such as transaxillary breast augmentation.
- Saline is safer.
Disadvantages of saline breast implants for breast surgery:
- Saline implants feel less natural than silicone gel implants.
- Saline implants are more prone to wrinkling and rippling which may be visible or palpable.
- Saline implants provide less upper pole breast fullness.
- Immediate deflation or partial deflation.
Saline breast implants will continue to be used in breast surgery. In patients with adequate breast tissue coverage over the implant, saline breast implants can provide an excellent result. Some patients still have concerns over the safety of the silicone gel implants. For others, saline implants are more affordable.
Call today for a consultation for breast augmentation and ask for Dr. Nana Mizuguchi:
502.899.9979
