As difficult as it can be to admit, breasts can play a large role in shaping the self-esteem of women. The way you feel about yourself affects your confidence, which is why our breasts do in fact influence our self-esteem. This is why a woman who is happy with their breasts will be slightly more confident than the one who wants to change it, simply because they have this insecurity to deal with.
There are several factors associated with breast size and shape that can lead to decreased self-confidence in women, a major one being smaller breasts. Fortunately, the wonders of plastic surgery can resolve this issue by increasing a woman’s breast size with implants. One of the most common types of breast implants used for breast augmentation is a saline breast implant.
Salin implants can add volume to your breasts and enhance your overall anatomy. While saline breasts implants come with numerous benefits, there are also some disadvantages associated with the use of this particular implant type. Patients should properly analyze the pros and cons of saline breast implants before getting them inside of their breasts. Your plastic surgeon can guide you on the type of implant best for you, depending on your personal goals and current breast formation.
Pros of saline implants
First of all, a saline breast implant comprises of a silicone shell filled with sterile, salt solution called saline solution. Saline implants come in a variety of forms, sizes and contours.
– Safe solution: While both saline and silicone breast implants have been found to be safe for enhancing the aesthetic appearance in women, some women feel safer with saline implants. This is because the solution inside the silicone shell is natural, which can be naturally consumed and expelled by the human body in case of leakage or rupture.
– Flexibility: Saline implants are flexible whereby the empty silicone shells are first placed inside of the breasts via small incisions and then later filled with saline solution. Even though these implants come in pre-set sizes, their suppleness provides the surgeon the opportunity to make adjustments to the implants’ sizes to some extent. This helps better achieve the patient’s aesthetic goals.
– Smaller incisions and more options: Saline breast implants require relatively smaller incisions than others. The reason for this is because the implant shells start off empty, whereas the silicone implants are pre-filled with the silicone material already. Furthermore, the saline implants can be placed through different incisions, including tiny incisions under the armpit, under the breasts and around the nipple. Tiny incisions mean smaller and less visible scars.
– Implant leak diagnosis: Since your body naturally absorbs the saline solution, if a rupture or leak occurs, it would be easily diagnosed and treated. What happens is the saline implant will immediately deflate. Unlike silicone breast implants, there is no need for follow-up MRI scans.
– Less risk of capsular contracture: The risk of capsular contracture to occur is relatively smaller than in saline breast implants. A capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue tautens about the implant, creating pain and discomfort for the patient and ultimately resulting in a rupture.
– Low cost: Saline breast implants normally cost lower than silicone breast implants.
Cons of saline implants
Now that you know the benefits, you should also be aware of the disadvantages before making the final decision. Your surgeon will explain the pros and cons of the different types of implants and suggest the right implant for you, but you still get to choose.
As you already know, the implants can deliver good results by making your breasts appear rounder and firmer. However, there are several disadvantages that may offset the advantages for you, so here are the most common disadvantages of saline breast implants:
– Appearance and feel: A major drawback of saline breast implants is that they appear and feel unnatural. Though the implants make your breasts appear rounder and larger, the bad news is that your breast would look like a balloon filled with water. The good thing is that when it comes to the touch, it can be enhanced and be made natural by inserting and positioning the saline implants under the breast muscles where they can get better tissue coverage.
– Shape: Saline implants produce rounder breasts. While most women like rounder breasts, some women prefer other breast shapes. Therefore, it is important for you to tell your plastic surgeon clearly what breast shape you prefer and desire. Your plastic surgeon would then recommend you the breast implant that can help you achieve that particular breast shape.
– Rippling: Saline breast implants have a higher tendency to ripple than silicone breast implants. However, if you have satisfactory breast tissue, the risk of rippling will go down. Rippling can also be avoided by placing the saline breast implants underneath the breast muscle where they can get maximum tissue coverage.
Conclusion
Since you have the choice between saline and silicone breast implants, it is important for you to know the advantages and disadvantages of the breast implant of your choice. Like the saline implants, the silicone also has its own pros and cons. The best way to choose the right breast implant for you is by asking your plastic surgeon for a recommendation. They will know all the factors to weigh in.
Surgeons understand that the type of breast implant suitable for you depends on a number of factors, such as your aesthetic goals, the breast shape and size you want to achieve, your current breast anatomy, your budget, and possible associated risks and complications. But overall, your plastic surgeon’s skills and experience will play a crucial role in defining the pros and cons of saline breast implants.