We use either saline filled or silicone gel filled implants. Dr. Porterfield knows that there are advantages and disadvantages to each type, and certain situations may warrant the use of one rather than the other.

Additionally, Dr. Porterfield uses many different sizes and shapes exist for both types. However, both use an outer shell or sack made of silicone elastomer. You can choose either a smooth or textured surface.  Please discuss your options with Dr. Porterfield. He’ll help you carefully weigh all of the facts before making a decision.

Here is some helpful information about the breast implants.

Silicone Breast Implants:   Silicone breast implants consist of a silicone elastomer shell filled with silicone gel. Following a rigorous review process, the FDA approved the use of silicone gel-filled breast implants in 2006 for reconstructive breast surgery on women of any age, and for cosmetic augmentation surgery on women 22 years old and older.  The FDA and implant makers recommend patients have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed regularly to detect any leakage of silicone gel. The cost of these MRIs may not be covered by your health insurance, and you may have to pay out of pocket for them.

Saline Breast Implants:   Saline breast implants have became the most popular choice of implant. They contain sterile salt water as the filler material, which is the same main ingredient in body fluids. If a saline implant ruptures, the implant deflates and the body absorbs the saline harmlessly. This may leave an asymmetrical appearance until the implant is replaced. Saline implants may not replicate the look and feel of a breast as well as silicone implants can, but many women choose them because of the safety concerns over the use of silicone. You must be at least 18 years old to undergo cosmetic breast augmentation with
saline implants. This is a different minimum age than for silicone implants because the risks of the implants are different. There is no risk of silent rupture with saline implants and saline implants do not require having regular MRIs.