At Washington Plastic Surgery in Everett, Washington State, we specialize in breast augmentation procedures for patients across the Seattle area, including Tacoma, Bellevue, Redmond, and beyond Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons offers personalized consultations to discuss your goals and determine the best approach for enhancing your breasts . With a focus on safety and natural-looking results, A Patients' Choice Award Winner, leads our breast augmentation procedures . Whether you're seeking to increase breast size, improve symmetry, or restore volume lost due to pregnancy or weight loss, we provide comprehensive breast augmentation solutions tailored to your needs
Prevalence: Breast augmentation remains a popular cosmetic procedure, with over 365,000 procedures performed in 2021 alone, marking a significant increase of 44% compared to previous years
Trends: Evolving trends in breast augmentation show a comprehensive analysis of over 31,700 cases submitted by 1,082 surgeons between 2005 and 2020. Understanding these trends can help patients make informed decisions regarding their procedure
Implant Removal: Alongside augmentation, there has been a notable increase in the number of women opting to have breast implants removed and replaced. In 2021, approximately 148,000 women underwent this procedure, indicating a 32% increase from the previous year .
Breast augmentation surgery offers individuals the opportunity to enhance their appearance and boost confidence. One of the critical decisions to make when considering breast augmentation is choosing between saline and silicone implants. Both options have distinct characteristics and considerations that patients should weigh carefully before making a decision.
1. Saline Breast Implants
Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with a sterile saline solution. They offer the following features:
Adjustable volume: Saline implants can be filled during surgery, allowing for slight adjustments in volume to achieve desired symmetry
Firmer texture: Saline implants are generally firmer to the touch and may feel less natural compared to silicone implants.
Visible rippling: In some cases, saline implants may be more prone to visible rippling or wrinkling, particularly in patients with thin skin or minimal breast tissue.
2. Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel and offer the following characteristics:
Natural look and feel: Silicone implants are known for providing a more natural look and feel compared to saline implants
Less visible rippling: Due to their cohesive gel filling, silicone implants are less likely to ripple or wrinkle, resulting in a smoother appearance.
Pre-filled: Unlike saline implants, silicone implants come pre-filled, meaning the volume cannot be adjusted during surgery.
When considering breast augmentation, it's essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, preferences, and medical history. By understanding the differences between saline and silicone implants and considering factors such as desired aesthetics, feel, and potential risks, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your individual needs