Silicone or Saline? Types of Breast Implants Available at Our Dallas, Texas Practice
Every woman’s ideal breast size and shape has a breast implant to match. There are many considerations for women interested in enhancing their breasts – deciding between saline and silicone breast implants is just the beginning. Our Dallas, Texas practice can further inform you about the pros and cons of each type of implant. Dr. Mark A. Deuber has extensive experience in breast augmentation surgery and can help you decide which type of breast implant will produce your desired results.
Biodimensional Breast Implant Selection
Dr. Deuber will take six separate measurements of your breasts prior to your breast augmentation procedure. These are designed to assess factors such as nipple position, amount of lower pole skin, amount of skin stretch or give, and amount of tissue coverage. This scientific approach allows Dr. Deuber to custom-select the best breast implants for you based on your individual tissue characteristics. By leaving nothing to chance, this custom breast implant selection process enhances the likelihood of achieving the best possible results for your breast enlargement surgery.
Silicone and Saline Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants are made of silicone gel and encased in a rubber shell. In November 2006, the FDA approved silicone breast implants for use in the United States. Previously, silicone implants had been suspected of causing systemic health problems; however, multiple studies and expert-review panels have shown that these claims were false. Silicone implants have been safely used by plastic surgeons in Europe for years, and now American patients can once again take advantage of the natural look and feel of silicone breast implants. At his practice in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Deuber offers breast augmentation surgery with both silicone and saline breast implants.
Many women still opt for saline breast implants, which feel and look less natural but can be implanted with smaller incisions. Saline implants may have a lower rate of capsular contracture than silicone implants. If you are uncertain about the type of implants you want, it is best to discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast augmentation such as Dr. Deuber.
Smooth or Textured Breast Implants
Saline-filled breast implants have a smooth or textured surface and are either round or anatomically shaped. Textured implants may decrease the risk of capsular contracture, an abnormal hardening of a capsule around breast implants. These implants also retain their position in the breast longer. The one downside of textured breast implants is that they have a thicker shell, increasing their visibility through the skin.
Round or Anatomic Breast Implants
Anatomic breast implants are teardrop-shaped. These implants can be helpful in preventing the development of an upper breast shelf, which makes the implant very conspicuous. Anatomic implants are also less likely to fold. In fact, rounded breast implants generally have to be filled to the manufacturer's maximum recommended volume (which is higher than the volume printed on the implant) to minimize their folding. Folding, or what is also called shell folding, is usually visible through the skin and may lead to breast implant rupture or deflation.
For answers to further questions or concerns regarding the smooth, textured, round, anatomic, saline, or silicone breast implants used at our Dallas, Texas practice, schedule a consultation with plastic surgeon Dr. Mark A. Deuber. Every woman’s body is different, so it is important to have an experienced plastic surgeon advise you personally on which breast implants can achieve the look you want.
