emily'smommymakeover

When I met with Dr. Hynes, we talked briefly about the differences between saline implants and silicone implants. I had pretty much already made up my mind based on conversations with several of my girlfriends. But I thought I would hear what Dr. Hynes had to say. The basic difference, he explained, was the feel of the implants. While silicone implants tend to feel a little more like natural breast tissue, saline is basically salt-water in a bag. A nice feature of the saline implant is that it can be inserted and later filled with the saline. This gives the doctor more choices for inserting the implant (under the arm, through a small incision around the areola, through the belly button, or through an incision below the breast). Since I wanted silicone, I didn't really have a choice – it's under the breast for me. Also, I understand that there's a saline implant that can be adjusted for patients who are not sure about what size they want to be.

But what about safety? My research indicated that for all intents and purposes, silicone implants are as safe as saline. I'm not a doctor, so don't take my word on it. Instead, take a look at some of the sites I looked at when doing my research:

PlasticSurgery.com

SmartBreastAugmentation.com

BreastImplantSafety.org

LoveYourLook.com

It looks like if a saline implant ruptures, the saline is simply absorbed by the body – no problem (unless you count the deflated breast). I also understand that if a silicone implant ruptures, the silicone will remain within the implant shell because these new implants have the cohesive gel which does not migrate outside of the implant.

When I called Dr. Hynes office for further clarification I had a few questions. These answers come from both Dr. Hynes and his patient coordinator who is extremely knowledgeable.

Q) Is it true that if I choose silicone, I'll need an MRI every three years? – An MRI that will not be covered by insurance?

A) Every three years is what used to be recommended. Every ten years is probably more accurate.

Q) Is it true that most implants eventually leak and will need to be replaced in 10 – 15 years?

A) Not likely. This is an internet "old wives tale". The implant manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty should there ever be a leak. And the leak rate is lower on silicone that on saline because there is no valve. It's a completely closed system.

Q) What about capsular contracture – hardening of the implant?

A) Studies show that as many as 8% of silicone implants could harden over time. That said, there is research being done to find out why that number is so high, and it may be found that it has something to do with how the doctor is doing the surgery. We simply don't see that here. I can remember it happening once in the past three years, and that's out of about 500 breast augmentations.

Q) Some doctors say that if a woman has enough breast tissue to start with, saline implants will be perfectly satisfactory.

A) You would probably have very good results with saline, but there's no question in my mind that silicone is softer.

So after further research and a great conversation with Dr. Hynes, I'm still leaning toward silicone. Don't hold me to it as I still have time to change my mind. It's really a very personal decision for each and every woman based on their needs. Would anyone care to share their experiences with saline vs silicone?

Mentor manufactures the silicone implants that Dr. Hynes uses.