Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Articles

More than 300,000 breast augmentations were done in the United States in 2017, making it the most widely-performed cosmetic surgical procedure. That popularity stems from its value on several fronts.

Breast augmentation—an implant is placed behind the breast and/or the chest muscle—can increase the volume of the breast in naturally small-breasted women, replace the volume that was lost after breastfeeding or major weight loss, change the shape of the breasts, and create better symmetry.

In turn, much of the consideration tends to center less on whether to undergo the procedure or not and more on what type of implant to use. So, today I’ll explore some of the key differences between silicone gel and saline breast implants.

But first, a quick overview

Both types of implants have a shell made out of silicone, the surface of which can be either smooth or textured. The smooth implants mimic the movement of a natural breast, rolling around subtly in the breast pocket, while the texture implants remain in one place, more or less.

That’s not the only nuance to be aware of. For a long time, if I was to say breast implant, the image that would likely come to mind for most is a slow-motion running scene from an episode of “Baywatch.” In other words, large, prominent, and, essentially, one-size-fits-all.

But the breast implant has evolved quite a bit since then. Today, they come in a variety of base widths, projection amounts, and fill volumes. The goal now, instead of a dramatic jump in breast size, is to match the implant with the space and create an improved, though natural-looking, appearance.

Silicone vs. saline

The main differences between silicone gel and saline breast implants involve a few key aspects. For one, saline implants can be filled and adjusted during surgery, which allows the surgeon some discretion to adjust for symmetry. Silicone implants are pre-filled and require larger incisions as a result. Saline implants, because they’re unfilled, can be inserted through tiny incisions underneath the breast, around the areola, or through the underarm.

Saline implants tend to look round, especially in thin women with modest breast tissue, while silicone implants have a more natural look and feel that’s closer to soft breast tissue. (Many women liken the feel of saline implants to a water balloon.)

Saline implants are significantly heavier than silicone, which makes them much more prone to downward displacement because of gravity. Silicone implants also have less of a chance of visible wrinkling or rippling, which makes them a more appropriate choice for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.

And, not to be glossed over, saline implants are slightly less expensive than silicone.

But are they safe?

In spite of its obvious benefits, silicone gel implants remain stigmatized for many women. Negative media attention in the ‘80s and ‘90s fueled by claims of adverse associated health problems prompted the widespread removal and replacement of older silicone implants with saline ones that continues today.

Since then, extensive clinical research, driven by the FDA, has confirmed no association between silicone gel implants and any chronic immune disease. That said, when discussing the differences between silicone gel and saline breast implants, saline implants will likely continue to be viewed by many as the safer of the two choices.

When a saline implant ruptures, it happens quickly, so you’ll notice it immediately. Your breast will literally shrink before your eyes. Because it’s only saline, it absorbs harmlessly by your body.

A silicone implant-rupture, on the other hand, will probably go unnoticed. The gel, however, is designed to hold together inside the breast capsule and not migrate to other areas of the body. That’s one of the reasons that regular MRIs are recommended for women with silicone implants.

Thank you for reading “What’s the Difference Between Silicone Gel and Saline Breast Implants?” by Davis CPS. If you’d like more content, please click here.

No doubt you’ve heard of liposuction, or, at least, lipo, and probably even a tummy tuck. As plastic surgery gained mainstream acceptance, many of the most common procedures became household terms.

The trouble is, they’re so widely used, and often incorrectly, that cousin procedures, like lipo and the tummy tuck, are confused for one another. So, let’s clear up some of that confusion here and discuss the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck.

Lipo: A brief primer

Liposuction removes excess fat deposits, slimming and reshaping specific areas of the body, such as the hips and buttocks, abdomen and waist, upper arms, inner knee, and cheeks, chin, and neck.

There are a few different kinds of liposuction; tumescent liposuction is the most common. After the surgeon injects a sterile solution, which aids fat removal; an anesthetic, and a drug that causes blood vessels to constrict into the area that’s being treated, they’ll make small cuts in the skin through which they’ll insert a tube called a cannula. The cannula’s connected to a vacuum that suctions fat and fluids from the body.

There is commonly some mild discomfort and bruising, though you should be well enough to return to work within a few days. The swelling usually subsides within a few weeks but can last longer.

Your surgeon will have you wear a tight compression garment for a few weeks to help reduce the swelling. During that time, some irregularities in the contours of the treated area may develop as the remaining fat settles. But, within a few months, it’ll take on a leaner appearance, and the skin will mold to the new contours.

You’re a good candidate for lipo if you have too much body fat in specific spots. It’s not a treatment for obesity, cellulite, or saggy skin.

Exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet and the results are usually long-lasting.

Tummy tuck basics

The tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin and, in many cases, restores abdominal muscles for a smoother, firmer appearance.

During the procedure, the abdominal muscles are tightened and excess, sagging skin is removed. Like lipo, there are a few different techniques. A “full” tummy tuck addresses the full length of the abdominal wall through a horizontal or U-shaped incision above the pubic mound. Sometimes, a second incision is made around the navel to address excess skin above the belly button.

Because a tummy tuck entails surgery on the abdominal muscles, the recovery is more extensive than it is for lipo. Expect to spend the first week mostly resting. Drains are placed in the incisions to help remove fluid after the surgery, in which case you’ll also need to devote time and attention to maintaining them until they’re removed a few days later.

You’ll be sore and may have some bruising for the first few weeks, but you should be well enough to return to work within ten days to two weeks. After you navigate that stretch of the recovery, you’ll find a much flatter, smoother midsection. Those pesky stretch marks will be a lot less prominent or may be completely gone.  You’ll not only look much better in your clothes—especially a bathing suit—you’ll feel better in them.

Tummy tucks are a popular procedure among women following their pregnancies and also men and women who’ve lost a significant amount of weight. It is not, however, intended as a substitute for weight loss.

Thank you for reading “What’s the Difference Between Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck?” by Davis CPS. If you’d like more content, please click here.