2017

Saline implants are one option patients have when planning their breast augmentation. Saline breast implants are FDA-approved for patients 18 years of age or older.

Saline breast implants have been a popular choice among women for decades. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and many of our Saratoga Springs and Albany/Capital District Region patients opt for these types of implants. Saline breast implants made by Mentor^® and Allergan^® are filled with sterile water directly from an IV bag to prevent contamination. This means that, if an implant were to leak or rupture, the saltwater solution would be absorbed by the body. If the saline implant were to deflate, it’s an obvious “flat tire” and the patient can get help quickly. Saline implants come in both “smooth” and “textured” varieties. One of the benefits of saline implants is the fact that, when compared to silicone implants, a smaller incision is typically necessary since the implant is placed in the pocket partially filled, and then completely inflated when in position beneath the muscle; therefore, scarring is generally minimal. However, one of the potential drawbacks of saline breast implants is the possibility that a “rippling” appearance may occur and show through the skin. So saline implants are often a better choice for women who have some degree of their own breast tissue and wish to be larger—like those with a B or C natural cup size who want to upsize. Women with completely flat chests with no breast volume should consider a “gummy bear” gel implant, instead of saline, to get a more natural feeling and looking result.

The IDEAL IMPLANT^® is another popular choice amongst our patients. These implants are created with two capsules of saline (sterile salt water)—one inside the other—and a system of internal baffle shells located between them to provide additional structure. This inner structure can create a more natural fit and feel. The IDEAL IMPLANT^® is currently available only in a smooth version, which can create a very soft feeling. But because of their more involved manufacturing process, these implants cost twice as much as regular saline, which makes having a breast augmentation with “IDEAL” more expensive.

At Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, we offer Natrelle^®, Mentor^®, and the IDEAL IMPLANT^® saline implant options. Dr. Koumanis also offers a full range of Gel filled implants such as Sientra’s “Gummy Bear”. To discover which can best achieve your desired appearance, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Koumanis today. You can also contact our office to ask any questions you might have about breast implants.

Selecting a silicone implant for your breast augmentation may feel overwhelming with the number of options available on the market. With help from our board-certified plastic surgeon, this process can be much more manageable. Dr. Dimitri Koumanis can create a beautiful and natural-looking breast enhancement that meets your aesthetic goals. He is here to help guide you through the selection process in a private consultation. He now uses state-of-the-art Crisalix 3-D imaging so you can preview how great you might look with your choice of brand, shape, and size of implant!

Before deciding that silicone breast implants are right for you, it is important to note that FDA recommends patients must be over 21 years of age for this implant option, unless the implants are being used for reconstruction (such as correcting breast volume asymmetry), or if Dr. Koumanis feels because of your anatomy Gel would be a better choice for providing the results you desire. After you have scheduled a visit with our office, we encourage you to review your silicone implant choices to gain an understanding of their unique benefits. There are two major types of silicone breast implants: traditional silicone implants and gummy bear implants.

The traditional silicone implants that we carry at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery are made either by Mentor^® or Allergan^® (Natrelle^® and Memory Gel^®). Traditional silicone implants come in both smooth and textured, round and shaped varieties; Dr. Koumanis can speak more about these choices during your consultation. They are comprised of silicone gel that feels much like natural breast tissue. On the rare happenstance that the implant were to leak, the gel should either remain in the shell of the implant or within the breast implant pocket. This occurrence would not necessarily mean that the implant would “collapse.”

Another silicone breast implant option that more patients than ever select is the “gummy bear” implant. These implants are created from a thick, form-stable gel. If the implants were to rupture, their shape should remain intact. Gummy bear implants feel firmer to the touch and are not typically prone to causing a “rippling” appearance. Dr. Koumanis considers the Sientra^® brand “Gummy Bear” gel-filled implant to be the best in the business, due to having the lowest chance of rupture and the best available deflation warranty. Sientra^® implants are available in shaped and round versions, in both textured and smooth surfaces. Speak with Dr. Koumanis about which would be best for your anatomy at your consultation visit.

Knowing the characteristics of each silicone implant type can narrow down the options during the selection process. It’s really too complicated to choose the right implant for you without an in-depth consultation with an expert surgeon like Dr. Koumanis. If you have any questions that we did not address in our blog, please contact us today. We look forward to helping you schedule a consultation with Dr. Koumanis.