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Saline versus Silicone Implants


Anthony Perrone, MD, provides general plastic surgery to patients as the chief plastic surgeon at Maine General Medical Center. He focuses his practice on upper extremity and hand surgery, along with aesthetic surgery. An MD graduate of Dartmouth Medical School, Dr. Anthony Perrone provides everything from liposuction and botox to cosmetic breast surgery.

When patients opt for breast augmentation, one of the world’s most popular plastic surgeries, they normally receive breast implants that are made from either saline or silicone. Both types of implants are associated with similar procedures. The entire procedure takes between one and two hours, and patients are given general anesthesia. After an incision is then made under the breasts and arms and around the nipple, the implant is placed within the pocket. Further, both silicone and saline implants share similar risks, including scar tissue that hardens the feel of the implant, infection, and implant leakage.

Despite these similarities, the two types of implants are different. Saline implants are placed in the breast when they are empty and a physician fills them with sterile salt water once they are in place. Women must be at least 18 years old to get saline implants as part of breast augmentation. Meanwhile, women must be at least 22 years old to get silicone breast implants. The FDA previously banned silicone implants, but has since been allowing some products back into the market. These types of implants are filled with a thick silicone gel that creates a more natural feel and appearance.

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