In the United States, there are two types of breast implants approved for cosmetic breast augmentation: saline and silicone gel. There are many important factors distinguishing these two types of implants, but the most important one for most patients is which one looks and feels more natural.
When it comes to emulating the feel of natural breast tissue, silicone is unequalled. Silicone was originally used illegally for breast enlargement by directly injecting it into the breasts. Although this led to dangerous side effects, it gave the breast a natural appearance and feel, unlike so many materials that had been tried before, from wax to sponges. In the early 60s, surgeons discovered that placing silicone gel in a solid silicone shell gave the desired results with dramatically reduced risks, the world embraced silicone breast implants.
Saline breast implants were discovered more than a decade later, but, outside the US, they never gained popularity because they simply do not feel as natural as silicone. Initially, saline breast implants are overfilled, which can make them a little rigid at first, but then as saline gradually migrates through the shell, they can deflate, which can lead the implant rippling as well as visibility of the implant. This also increases the unnatural feel of this type of breast implants.
But you don’t have to take our word for it. At our Tampa area office, we have breast implants that you can feel to make the decision which breast implant is right for you. To feel them for yourself, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Antonio J. Gayoso today.
