January 29, 2015
One of the reasons that Austin breast implant patients select Meridian Plastic Surgery is the supportive guidance we offer. During your initial consultation, Dr. Tjelmeland will learn about the goals that you are trying to achieve with breast augmentation and evaluate your body’s proportions, skin elasticity, and other factors. Based on this information, he will recommend the shape, size, and type of breast implants to use.
Many patients want to know whether silicone or saline breast implants are right for their procedure. This decision is based on their needs and what they want to accomplish with surgery.
Qualities of Silicone and Saline Breast Implants
Different types of breast implants vary in their structure, feel, movement, and shape. Silicone implants use a silicone shell filled with gel. This thick fluid feels similar to human tissue and fat. The implants come pre-sized, and Dr. Tjelmeland can choose different shapes depending on the appearance you want to achieve and your measurements.
Saline breast implants also come in different shapes and have a silicone shell. Instead of coming pre-filled with gel, Dr. Tjelmeland inserts the implants while empty and fills them to size with sterile salt water.
Which Breast Implants Are Right for You?
Dr. Tjelmeland may recommend silicone over saline for Austin breast implant patients who have:
- Thin skin.
- Small breasts.
- Limited breast tissue.
Breast implants in women who have less breast tissue will be more apparent. Fortunately, silicone offers softer, more natural edges; natural motion; and a more adaptive shape, all of which reduce the appearance of the implant itself. Saline breast implants in the same person may appear unnaturally round or stiff and may not feel as natural in the patient’s body.
For this same reason, saline implants can work very well for women with more breast tissue or thicker skin. The shape and movement of the implants matter less. In addition, these implants tend to cost less.
Of course, these are general guidelines for choosing breast implants. Your initial consultation with Meridian Plastic Surgery will help you understand your options more completely and guide in you making the best decision possible.
Get in touch with our Austin offices to schedule an appointment. Call 512-617-7500, or use our online form.