Silicone vs. saline breast implants: everything you need to know about risks, safety and more

Women living with underdeveloped breasts or a missing breast or breasts can suffer from low self-esteem and self worth. This is especially true of breast cancer survivors who have undergone mastectomy. Breast implants can provide an excellent solution, creating natural, realistic breasts and giving back the gift of confidence to women.

There are two types of breast implants: saline and silicone implants. Dr. Tahir’s breast implant clinic in Dubai offers both varieties. If you’re interested in knowing more about either type of breast implant and finding out about risks, safety and more, this blog is for you!

Read on to find out everything you need to know about breast implants in Dubai.

Saline vs. silicone breast implants

If you are wondering what’s the difference between saline-filled and silicone-filled implants, here’s what you
need to know.

Saline breast implants

Saline implants have an outer silicone shell. They’re inserted into the body empty and filled with sterile saline water once in place.
They’re suitable for breast augmentation for women aged 18 or over, and for reconstruction for women of any age.

Silicone breast implants

Just like saline breast implants, silicone implants have an outer shell made of silicone. They are filled with silicone gel, which is similar to the fat you would find in natural breasts. They’re already filled when they are inserted into the body.
Silicone implants are suitable for women aged 22 and over for augmentation, and for women of any age for
reconstruction.

Do implants come with risks?

Saline and silicone breast implants in Dubai come with similar risks, which include:

● Scar tissue may distort implant shape (this is known as “capsular contracture”).
● The implants may move out of place.
● There may be an infection risk.
● Nipple and breast sensation may change.
● There may be a risk of implant rupture.
Complications might mean that you need more surgery for implant replacement or breast implant removal surgery in Dubai.

What happens if implants rupture?

Both saline and silicone implants carry the risk of rupture. This is what might happen and how implants can be managed in this case.

Saline implant rupture:

Rupture of saline implants is likely to be obvious as the implant will deflate and a change in the shape and size of the breast will be noticeable. The saline solution will be absorbed by the body without any risk to health.

If this happens, you can opt for a procedure to remove the shell and have a new implant inserted in its place.

Silicone implant rupture:

If you have silicone implants, you may not notice that anything is amiss as the gel tends to stay inside the capsule that contains the implant. However it’s possible that you’ll notice breast pain, thickening or changes to the shape of the breast.
In this case, you can have your ruptured implant removed and a new one inserted.
Note that leaking silicone gel is not understood to cause health issues such as breast cancer, rheumatoid arthritis or reproductive problems.

Are breast implants safe?

Both saline and silicone-based Implants are considered safe for breast augmentation and breast reconstruction.
Research to investigate the safety of both types is ongoing.

What should I consider before getting implants?

If you’re wondering about getting breast implants, you might find it helpful to think about the following issues:
● Both saline and silicone implants have an average life of 8-10 years.
● Implants may last longer with proper care; however, implants may change the look of your breasts over time, for example if you lose or gain weight.

● Implants won’t stop your breasts from sagging. To correct sagging breasts, you will need to undergo a breast lift. This can be done at the same time as breast implant surgery or afterwards.
● Having breast implants may mean that mammograms are harder to interpret.
● You may wish to opt for ultrasound or MRI scans of the breasts every five to six years to ensure they are healthy.
● Insurance may not cover breast implant surgery cost. This is more likely to be the case if you have had breast implants for cosmetic reasons, rather than following mastectomy for breast cancer, for example.
● You may not be able to breastfeed after you have had breast implant surgery, although some women do manage to breastfeed successfully.
● You might need to have further surgery to remove or replace your implants if they rupture.

How can I find the best breast implant surgeon in Dubai?

If you decide on breast implant surgery, you want to know that you are in safe hands. That’s why hundreds of women have entrusted their breast implant surgery to Dr. Adnan Tahir, one of Dubai’s best breast implant surgeons.

Trained in the UK and practising in Dubai since 2016, Dr. Adnan is passionate about combining the best possible patient experience with the most natural-looking outcome.

At your initial consultation, he will work with you to understand your general health and wellbeing and your desired result, then take you through the process to achieving a natural, beautiful result.

So why not reach out to Dr. Adnan today and take the first step towards the discovering the very best version of you?