Saline or Silicone: Which Fails More Often?

Breast implant failure is one of the problems that can develop after your breast implants have been placed. Breast augmentation is commonly considered a relatively safe operation.  However the implants used are simply not indestructible and can fail over a period of time.  What are the main causes and how can you avoid this? Saline and silicone breast implants fail in different ways so you should consider the difference between the two before making your final implant selection.

Eventually all implants may simply wear out over time and develop a hole in the outer shell, causing a leak. It naturally happens over time as a result of the motion within the implant wall. A tear may develop in the outer shell due to the pressure of the implant contents due to your natural motion. Many advancements have occurred in the manufacturing of implants increasing the durability, but they are still not indestructible.

From 1992 to 2006 the most common type of implant in the United States was saline since the FDA had withdrawn its approval of silicone. Until November of 2006 saline was the only FDA approved implant, while the silicone implant was used primarily in clinical trials. Most of the implants subject to fatigue and failure today are saline as a result.

Saline implants are subject to deflation because the fluid can easily flow through a hole in the outer shell. Due to the liquid nature of saline, the failure occurs rather rapidly as the fluid leaks through the hole in the outer shell. Women with saline implants have reported that their implants have deflated as little as within a day, while others over a few weeks.

Since the leakage causes deflation, women notice rather quickly that their breast is not as full as it once was.  The breast implant failure is very noticeable. While this is problematic, of course, some women consider this to be an advantage since it is much more difficult to tell if a silicone implant has actually ruptured. Since the failure occurs very quickly with saline, the woman knows she needs to visit with her plastic surgeon quickly.

Silicone gel implants are made of a thick, cohesive gel and are not prone to rapid deflation. The cohesive silicone gel is rather thick and sticky and is bonded together.  Even when cut in half with a knife, the implant holds itself together.  Unless the hole developing in the implant is very large, the gel is not likely to squeeze out. Even with a large hole, while the silicone may bulge out of the tear, it will eventually fall back in due to its thick, viscous consistency.  Therefore silicone breast implant failure is less noticeable and might only be detected during a mammography.

Both of these implants are subject to failure. Since saline implants are subject to rapid deflation, it increases the possibility that the patient will need to replace the implant at some point in her lifetime. In most cases, even upon failure, silicone breast implants will cause no noticeable change in appearance or feel.

Upon evidence of implant failure you will need to visit again with your plastic surgeon. While the rupture of implants are not as common as in the past is remains as one of the important factors you must consider when choosing your implant. When you meet with you plastic surgeon be sure to discuss the benefits and risks of saline and silicone breast implant ruptures.

How can you avoid breast implant failure? Keep these points in mind if you decide to get breast implants:

* All breast implants fail over time.  While cohesive gel implants are considered more durable, the fact is that you will probably have to replace the implants within about ten years.  Age of the implant therefore is a factor in implant failure.

* You should avoid high risk activities which place significan  pressure or compression on the breasts. Simply be careful with high impact and vigorous sporting activities and try not to fall on your chest or receive any trauma to your breasts.

* Your plastic surgeon will give you after-care instructions.  Be sure to follow them! Attend all follow up appointments with your doctor and avoid any contraindicated activities as advised. If you give your breast implants the proper care and attention they deserve they should last a long time.

Breast augmentation can give you the breasts you have always desired. If you choose your plastic surgeon carefully, you can be assured that they will do everything possible to insure excellent results which will be free from any unwanted complications. Afteryour breast augmentation surgery, it is up to you to maintain your new breasts by avoiding anything which will compromise them or injure your breasts.

If you do your research thoroughly, and follow the instructions from your doctor you are already doing what you can do prevent breast implant failure.   Be sure to get medical attention immediately should you suspect that your implants have failed. If you follow the instructions from your plastic surgeon thoroughly, you can reduce the possibility of breast implant failure.

Are you thinking of getting bigger breast implants? Try the Purlz Breast Sizing System to see what breast implant sizes are right for you!

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/plastic-surgeries-articles/saline-or-silicone-which-fails-more-often-968402.html

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