CosBeauty Magazine #85

essentials
3. Implant material
This next crucial factor looks at the
type of fill (saline or silicone) as
well as the shell of the implant wall
(smooth or textured).
Silicone vs saline
Saline and silicone breast implants
both have an outer silicone shell;
however they differ in material,
consistency and techniques used for
placement. Both types of implants
have their own advantages and risks.
Silicone gel-filled implants are
used more commonly in Australia.
Silicone implants contain a cohesive
gel, designed to mimic real breast
tissue. It has a slightly firm, nonrunny
consistency, which can give
a more natural feel. As the gel is
not liquid, the risk of dispersal if the
implant ruptures is minimised. It also
typically maintains its shape better
than a saline implant, especially in
the upper part of the implant.
Saline-filled implants use a
medical-grade saltwater solution,
which makes the implant feel like a
water-bed. This can be controlled to
an extent by the volume of fill in the
implant. If implant rupture occurs,
the saline is absorbed by the body.
However, saline implants feel firmer
than silicone implants and have a
higher risk of visible folds and ripples.
Unlike silicone gel implants,
saline implants can be filled
through a valve during surgery.
Because of this, the insertion of the
implants generally requires a smaller
incision than that associated with
silicone gel implants. The amount
of fill can also be adjusted after
surgery, which is not possible with
fixed silicone gel implants.
Smooth vs textured
Implant shells can be smooth or
textured. Smooth-shelled implants
are easy to insert and may make the
breast move and feel more natural
than a textured shell in certain
patients. However, they have
increased risk of capsular contracture
(hardening of the breast), which is a
common reason for re-operation.
Textured implants have a thicker
shell and the very nature of their
surface means they can grab onto
and adhere to the surrounding
tissue, causing less friction between
the implant and breast pocket and
therefore helping to reduce the risk
of capsular contracture. Many
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