Saline implants have long been the norm for breast augmentation. However, with the approval of silicone a couple of years ago, saline implants have begun to reduce in popularity. Cohesive gel, or “gummy bear” implants are becoming more popular, since they have a more natural feel and are comprised of silicone that does not run when ruptured, making them safer than older silicone implants.
Though saline is still popular with some women, they tend to be less successful in mimicking the natural contours of the breast. Rippling is a very common aesthetic problem, as the saline can slosh around within the implant shell (a movement which may also be faintly audible to the woman with the implants), creating waves and ripples that may be visible on parts of the breast skin. On the lower portions of the breast, or underneath it, wrinkling may also occur.
However, this isn’t to say that saline is all bad – it’s still considered favourable for some since the incision required during surgery tends to be smaller and ruptures may be more quickly detected since deflation is faster than with cohesive gel implants. Some physicians believe that the risk of capsular contraction may also be lower for women with saline implants.
For more information, speak to your physician to determine which type of implant is best for your body.
