Breast augmentation is a popular plastic surgery option to change breasts' shape, position, and size. If someone wants to increase their chest size through breast augmentation, they'll likely need implants, generally saline or silicone. Here's what you should know about both materials to help you make a decision.

Saline

Since the 1960s, people seeking breast augmentation have used saline implants. They consist of an empty silicone shell that a plastic surgeon inserts into their patient's body. Once inserted into the correct position, the surgeon will fill the shell with sterile salt water. Because the implant starts empty, saline implants require smaller incisions with less noticeable scars. 

People like saline implants because it's easy to tell if one ruptures under the chest tissues. If the silicone shell develops a tear and leaks the salt water, the body will absorb it. The breast will quickly deflate, but the person won't experience any health issues due to the salt water leak. Saline is non-toxic and will not cause illnesses or other complications. 

A disadvantage to saline breast implants is noise. Sometimes, people with these implants can hear the water inside the shell sloshing. Additionally, the implants might feel firmer than natural breasts. 

Silicone

Silicone implants consist entirely of silicone, which feels like natural fatty tissue. Like the saline implants, the silicone variety has a silicone shell. However, it's filled with a silicone gel instead of salt water. 

Patients can get silicone breast implants in various shapes and sizes to accommodate their preferences. Though they offer the most natural look and feel to breasts, silicone implants can rupture more easily than saline implants. People seeking this material for breast augmentation must be at least 22 years old. They must also partner with their plastic surgeon to select their desired shape and size because the implants aren't customizable during surgery.

Ruptures can be a problem with silicone implants. They not only develop tears or punctures quickly, but they also won't deflate. Some patients don't realize they have a ruptured implant because it remains in place. Patients are most likely to learn about a tear during the mandated MRI scans every few years to ensure the breast implants are intact. 

If you want to improve your appearance with breast augmentation in South Dakota, Minnesota and North Dakota, Dakota Plastic Surgery is the go-to destination. Dr. Mukerji, a board-certified plastic surgeon, runs the practice. He and his team provide compassionate, personalized care to give patients natural, satisfactory results. Besides breast implants, patients can also receive facelifts, Botox®, tummy tucks, and other cosmetic surgeries at this center. Request a free consultation by calling (605) 725-5030 or visiting them online.