Silicone or Saline Implants? Alternatives and Facts To Consider Before Deciding 

Breast implants have been controversial since their surge in popularity in the United States, starting around the 1960s. Since then, implants, whether of a silicone or saline material, have been linked to safety concerns for several patients.

The 1990s produced several reported patient injuries and lawsuits, removing silicone implants from the market by decree of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Implants were reintroduced into the market after a few years, but their problems still exist. Several implants were recalled earlier in the year due to studies linking them to a rare form of breast cancer, breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma.

Aside from its link to cancer, several patients have reported symptoms such as brain fog, memory loss, anxiety, and fatigue months after their procedure, known as breast implant illness (BII).

Nevertheless, breast implants remain one of the most popular forms of plastic surgery and the most popular form of breast augmentation today. Several surgeons categorize them nowadays as safe, which is why we've curated this article to clear up common myths for you to understand what a breast implant procedure could entail.

Breast Implant Safety

In terms of cosmetic technology, breast implants have been extensively studied throughout the years. Saline and silicone implants are regarded as equally safe within their circles.

Data for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons demonstrates that 88% of breast implant surgeries use silicone implants, despite the use of silicone still being controversial in the field.

The FDA's stance is that silicone breast implants are safe because the shell stops the silicone from migrating into the body. There's also no difference in the incidence of breast cancer between the two types of implants.

Nonetheless, a silicone implant leaking can be pretty complicated. Saline implants do not run this risk because in rupturing, the implant will deflate, and the body will harmlessly absorb the saline solution.

A silicone gel implant rupture can be diagnosed only through an MRI or ultrasound, eventually causing pain or changing the shape of the breast. Women are encouraged to get frequent MRI scans to prevent any medical complications.

Removing silicone implants can also be quite complicated, requiring a surgical procedure. The implant and the surrounding scar tissue are removed from the breast pocket to contain the silicone gel leakage.

It's important to note that the average implants have a lifespan of about 10 to 20 years, with 20% having them removed within 8-10 years.

The Solution Better Than Implants in Atlanta

If you're interested in obtaining superior results to contour your breasts but do not want to endure the risks of breast implants, a natural fat transfer to the breasts is the optimal solution.

Elite Body Sculpture's Up A Cup™ Breast Enhancement is a minimally invasive fat transfer that doesn't use a scalpel, needle, stitches, or general anesthesia, allowing for comfortable and accurate results. Although we are less invasive, our sculpting ability and enhanced precision are both made possible by the automated AirSculpt mechanism.  

We work under the philosophy that procedures should be safe for all patients and to fulfill a body-changing experience with no regrets. Schedule your first consultation at our Atlanta office to get started if you agree.