Saline and silicone breast implants are similar in that they both are made of an outer silicone shell. The implants differ in material and consistency, however.  Some surgeons and patients feel that silicone implants have a more natural look and feel than saline implants because silicone gel has a texture that is similar to breast tissue.

• Saline breast implants: Saline implants are filled with saline, usually at the time of surgery. Saline implants have been criticized for feeling hard or unnatural, but improved surgical techniques — such as placing the implant behind the chest muscle and slightly overfilling it — have lessened these complaints.

• Silicone breast implants. Silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel — a thick, sticky fluid that closely resembles the feel of human fatty tissue. Some women feel that silicone breast implants look and feel more like natural breast tissue.

Are Silicone Breast Implants Safe?

Yes, silicone breast implants are safe and FDA approved.  In the early 1990’s it was believed that silicone breast implants were responsible for connective tissue diseases in some women. After a thorough evaluation of the evidence for the Association of Silicon Breast Implants with human health conditions, the Institute of Medicine concluded in June that there is “no definitive evidence linking breast implants to cancer, neurological diseases, neurological problems or other systemic diseases.”

Furthermore, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states:

“Silicone is used not only in breast implants but also in implants located literally throughout every part of the body. It has been used: to construct heart valves and other cardiovascular prostheses; to fashion catheters which are used for purposes ranging from drug delivery to cardiac monitoring; in dentistry; in the gastrointestinal tract; as a facilitator for nerve regeneration; in ophthalmology; in the ear, nose, throat, and respiratory tract; as a prosthesis or ingredient in prostheses for many parts of the skeletal system; as a tissue expander; as a cosmetic agent for treatment of scars and wrinkles; in the urogenital tract, including penile prostheses; and in many other applications.”

Source:http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/cbm/silicone.html

More information regarding breast implant surgery can be found at  http://www.doctorsofcosmeticsurgery.com/sub/breast.jsp

Dr. Lombardi’s dedicated plastic surgery blog is online at http://lombardiplasticsurgery.com/

About Dr. Lombardi:

Dr. Lombardi is a Plastic Surgeon in NJ and the founding surgeon of The Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Center in Eatontown, New Jersey. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Lombardi has received highly specialized training in all aspects of cosmetic surgery including Breast Augmentation, Facial Rejuvenation, and Body Contouring procedures. He is trained in the latest cutting edge techniques of cosmetic surgery including laser surgery, Botox, Restylane, and all of the newest facial fillers. In addition, Dr. Lombardi is the first plastic surgeon in Monmouth County to perform Thermage, or the non-surgical Facelift.
To learn more about Dr. Lombardi, visit http://www.doctorsofcosmeticsurgery.com/

Q: How much do breast implants cost?

A: Prices range between $5,500-$6,800 depending on the type of implant chosen and the length of the procedure.  This pricing includes the surgeon’s fee, implants, anesthesia and surgery center facility fee.

Q: Financing plastic surgery: monthly payments?

Can I pay for breast implants, lip enhancement, and rhinoplasty surgeries on a monthly basis instead of paying for them all at the same time?

A: We work with a financing company called Care Credit that has very competitive rates and allow for your surgery to be paid in full and for you to make monthly payments to them.

Q: How much do silicone breast implants cost?

I am considering breast augmentation with silicone implants.  How much more do silicone implants cost versus saline?

A: The silicone breast implants cost approximately twice as much as the saline implants to purchase, this extra cost will be added to your surgical fee.  There is no additional cost for the procedure besides the additional cost for the silicone implants.

If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, or would like to have your questions answered about any other surgical procedure, please use my contact form to submit your questions.

More information regarding plastic surgery FAQ can be found at http://lombardiplasticsurgery.com/

About Dr. Lombardi:

Dr. Lombardi is a Plastic Surgeon in NJ and the founding surgeon of The Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Center in Eatontown, New Jersey. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Lombardi has received highly specialized training in all aspects of cosmetic surgery including Breast Augmentation, Facial Rejuvenation, and Body Contouring procedures. He is trained in the latest cutting edge techniques of cosmetic surgery including laser surgery, Botox, Restylane, and all of the newest facial fillers. In addition, Dr. Lombardi is the first plastic surgeon in Monmouth County to perform Thermage, or the non-surgical Facelift.
To learn more about Dr. Lombardi, visit http://www.doctorsofcosmeticsurgery.com/