Whether you are choosing breast augmentation for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons, you want the procedure to be done right the first time. If you’ve decided to get saline implants Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Schusterman has the experience and the skill to provide you exceptional results.
Saline implants start as an empty silicone shell when first placed inside the breast cavity. They are then filled with a sterile saline solution (saltwater) to the predetermined size, in order to create your desired look and feel. One of the benefits of saline implants is the small incisions used, which means less scarring and faster healing.
Saline implants come in two shapes to consider:
Round saline implants - One of the most common choices is round saline implants. This is a popular choice for women who are seeking to add volume to their breasts and want more fullness on top. While breast augmentation alone will not correct sagging, round implants can somewhat reduce the appearance of sagging breasts without the need for a breast lift.
Teardrop saline implants - The teardrop saline implant mimics the breasts' natural slope by being tapered at the top and fuller at the bottom. The fullness of the round shape isn't as focused at the bottom in the teardrop option.
Saline breast implants feature a silicone shell and are filled with saline (saltwater) instead of silicone gel. The incision is smaller in this procedure because the implants are not filled until they are placed inside the breasts. You will be able to determine the amount of filler during your consultation with Houston Plastic Surgeon Dr. Schusterman. One of the benefits of saline breast implants is that the saline can be adjusted at any time, to increase or decrease your breast size without the need for another surgery.
Silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel that has the consistency and feel of a natural breast. The amount of filler is determined in your consultation. Many women prefer the look of silicone implants as they look fuller and feel more like natural breasts. For specific information about our silicone implants, visit our silicone implants page.
Choosing the type of breast implant is a meaningful conversation to have with Dr. Mark Schusterman in Houston. Saline implants have been around for over 50 years and are a preferred choice among women seeking an alternative to silicone implants.
Breast augmentation is a personal choice and will differ with each patient. As discovered by our breast augmentation patients in Houston saline implants are a safe option and can be performed in women as young as 18-years old. During your consultation, Dr. Schusterman will discuss all your options so you can make an informed decision about your type of implant. You should consider the following factors when deciding if saline implants are right for you:
During the saline breast implant procedure, there will be a single incision in three locations: under the breasts, under the arms, and around the nipples.
After the cuts are made, Dr. Schusterman will separate the breast and connective tissues from the chest to create a pocket for the implants. The implant will be placed in the pocket and centered behind the nipple. Saline implants are inserted empty and then filled once in place. Once the implants are in place, Dr. Schusterman will close the incisions and wrap the breasts to keep down inflammation and reduce swelling.
To help you heal as quickly as possible, there is a specific post-op regimen to follow. The expected downtime is 6-8 weeks. Your breasts will be sensitive, so you will want to make sure you are careful about other people running into you or any jarring movements during daily activities. If your job is not physically active, you may be able to return sooner; however, you will need to avoid any heavy lifting and physical activity for at least two weeks.
Once you have healed from your saline implant procedure and the swelling and bruising have dissipated, you will be excited about the results. Some changes in your breasts can be seen immediately, such as symmetry, tone, and shape. For specific information about our breast implant results, visit our Breast Augmentation page.
Dr. Mark Schusterman wants you to feel safe and knowledgeable about your procedures by designing the best plan for your body. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about saline implants and the breast augmentation procedure. Your body is unique, and so should be your experience with cosmetic surgery. Call for a consultation with Dr. Schusterman today.
The FDA has approved saline implants since the 1960s. They are able to be used on women as young as 18 for cosmetic procedures or women of any age for reconstructive purposes.
Texas Center for Breast & Body can work with you and your financial situation to offer reasonable payment options. Breast augmentation is considered elective surgery and is not covered under medical insurance. Be sure to check with your insurance provider about coverage options.
Saline implants, if ruptured, will be absorbed in the body without any health complications, but a new implant would be needed to maintain breast symmetry. Breast implants are considered safe for breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. However, there is always a slight risk they may leak.
Double-board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Schusterman will guide you through this process to determine if saline implants are right for you. It is rare to have major complications from saline breast implants, but cosmetic surgical procedures may carry certain risks and complications, and they can include: swelling, numbness, bleeding at the incision sites, persistent pain, blood clotting, fluid accumulation, infection, and nerve damage.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment with the renowned plastic surgeon and breast & body specialist Dr. Mark Schusterman. Take your first steps to a more beautiful you.
3355 W Alabama St Suite 450, Houston, TX 77098
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