Procedure Overview: Saline Breast Implants

Mevish Jaffer

The popularity of breast enhancement surgery is continuing to rise in the U.S. as more and more women are discovering the advantages of improving their appearance. There are several reasons why a woman may choose to get implants, including reconstruction, augmentation or a breast lift procedure. However, regardless of why the surgical procedure may be desired, it is important for patients to decide which type of breast implants is right for their particular body. One of the most popular implants available for breast augmentation surgery in today’s market is saline filled breast implants. The initial production of saline breast implants can be dated back to the 1960s, when they were first manufactured by a company in France. Over the years, the structural design of the implants has improved dramatically, which is why it is continuing to become the popular choice of breast enhancement surgery.

Some people may be unaware of the fact that saline breast implants are actually silicone shells that are filled with a saline solution or saline water. One of the major improvements that have been made to the design of these breast implants is the insertion technique. The silicone shells are now implanted prior to being filled, which means there is a significantly smaller incision used in the procedure. Patients also have a choice of where the surgeon makes the incision through: 1) the armpit, 2) the nipple/areola or 3) the bra crease. Once the breast implants are in place (either above or below the muscle), they are filled with the saline solution.

Advantages & Disadvantages

There are several advantages to using saline implants for breast augmentation surgery over other types of materials. In addition to the fact that it produces a smaller incision, another benefit of these implants is the safety of the saline solution which is used for the procedure. If the implants were to leak for any reason, the saline gets absorbed by the patient’s body. Saline breast implants also have a significantly lower rate for infection, usually less than 3%. Additionally, because the breast implants are filled after being inserted, surgeons have the flexibility of adjusting the final volume in order to correct problems, such as breast asymmetry. Unlike other types of breast implants, there are also no restrictions placed on the usage of saline breast implants, which allows more women to qualify for the procedure.

Along with the benefits, women should also be aware of some drawbacks associated with saline implants for breast implant surgery. Some of the disadvantages include the following:

• Possible occurrence of rippling
• Wrinkling of breast implants
• More visually noticeable
• Artificial to the touch

Saline Breast Implants: Costs & Aftercare

When it comes to assessing the cost for saline breast implants, there are many different factors that come into play. For instance, the cost can vary depending on the intricacy of the procedure and the surgeon or clinic that performs the surgery. The overall cost of saline breast implants tends to range from $4,000 to $6,000, but this varies due to geographic location and the surgeon’s level of experience. However, as a general rule of thumb, saline breast implants tend to cost patients less due to lower up-front costs and overall money spent in the long-run.

A final factor to consider when contemplating breast augmentation surgery is post-operative care. The surgeon usually goes over these instructions with the patient prior to performing the surgery. However, it’s up to the patient to follow them accordingly. A big part of post surgery aftercare includes having a responsible person whom the patient can depend on for support and comfort after the procedure. In addition to driving the patient home, it’s also up to this individual to look after their basic needs, especially the first 24 hours after the procedure.