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Breast Augmentation- I Have Questions About Silicone Implants

Saline or silicone? Many women struggle to choose the right type of implant for their breast augmentation. If you’re thinking about silicone, this guide will answer some of your biggest questions. Don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help you with every decision throughout the breast augmentation process. Dr. Sajjadian’s plastic surgery philosophy revolves around compassionate patient care and attention to detail. He is widely respected by his colleagues and peers, and works diligently to reveal every patient’s natural and unique beauty.

What Is a Silicone Implant?

Silicone implants are one of the most popular implant options for breast augmentation. The come in a variety of sizes and projections to ensure a stunning fit for every patient. A silicone implant features a medical grade silicone outer shell with a soft, silicone gel filling. Silicone implants feel very similar to natural breast tissue, even outside of the breast.

How Are Silicone Implants Different than Saline?

Silicone implants have a few major differences to saline implants including:

  • More Expensive- Silicone implants tend to cost more than saline.
  • More Versatile- Silicone implants can achieve stunning results on more patients including those with little natural breast tissue and those wanting a large breast size.
  • Come Pre-Filled- Silicone implants come pre-filled, ready to place into the breast. With saline implants, we’ll place the shell into the breast and then fill it, allowing for a smaller incision size.

Both saline and silicone can provide beautiful results. Dr. Sajjadian will recommend the best options for your situation.

What Complications Do You See with Silicone Implants?

Both saline and silicone implants have the potential for complications, although they are rare in both implant types. Some of the most common issues with silicone implants include:

  • Capsular contracture
  • Leaks or ruptures
  • Wrinkling or rippling

These complications are much less common with newer silicone implants.

How Long Do Silicone Implants Last?

Silicone implants are long lasting and won’t need to be replaced until a problem develops or you want to change size. Dr. Sajjadian tells patients to plan on at least one revision surgery after breast augmentation, although more may be needed. Many patients enjoy their silicone implants for 10 years or longer.

What Are Cohesive Silicone Implants?

Cohesive silicone gel implants, also known as gummy bear implants are a newer implant option for breast augmentation. These silicone implants feature a silicone outer shell and a thick, almost solid silicone filling. They have a similar texture to a gummy bear. Cohesive gel implants hold their shape very well, are unlikely to ripple, and won’t leak filling if the outer shell develops a hole.

Are There Any Age Restrictions on Silicone Implants?

Silicone implants are FDA approved for cosmetic use in patients that are at least 22. Silicone implants can be used on patients that are 18 or older.

Call and schedule your breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Sajjadian, a top plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, today.