saline vs. silicone implants--advice needed

karinlee
karinlee Member Posts: 15
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
anyone have any thoughts on saline vs. silicone implants for bilateral mastectomy patients? pros and cons would be appreciated.

thanks

Comments

  • Future
    Future Member Posts: 133 Member
    #2
    My doctor advised saline. He said if I did silicone implants I'd have to be in a research study for the rest of my life and be followed more closely. You may want to ask your surgeon about that -- if it's a requirement for everyone.
  • cathdavis
    cathdavis Member Posts: 42
    #3
    I just had a silicone implant done. Yes, you do have to be in the study, but it's not anything to be concerned about in my opinion. So far I am very happy with my implant and it is quite natural feeling and looking. Of course I had a super plastic surgeon! Be sure you are comfortable with the dr you choose; that's very important. Good luck.
    Cathy
  • auzigal
    auzigal Member Posts: 20
    #4
    I have one of each. Yes you do have to be in a clinical study for the silicone, but it is so worth it! The silicone one is so much softer and more natural than the saline. They both have risks as far as capsular contracture, but the new silicone implants actually have the same outer shell as the saline implants. they follow you close enough to prevent the issues that happened with the old silicone implants from the 70's. I love ther silicone, it is a lot more life-like. think about both and talk to your doc to make sure that either one is an option for you. Good Luck with all of this! :)
  • karinlee
    karinlee Member Posts: 15
    #5
    auzigal said:

    I have one of each. Yes you do have to be in a clinical study for the silicone, but it is so worth it! The silicone one is so much softer and more natural than the saline. They both have risks as far as capsular contracture, but the new silicone implants actually have the same outer shell as the saline implants. they follow you close enough to prevent the issues that happened with the old silicone implants from the 70's. I love ther silicone, it is a lot more life-like. think about both and talk to your doc to make sure that either one is an option for you. Good Luck with all of this! :)

    thank you so much for the advice. your thoughts are much appreciated.

    karin
  • kbryan
    kbryan Member Posts: 6
    #6
    whatever you choose, my surgeon warned me that I'd have a 70% chance of the breast getting hard because of the previous cancer surgury and encapsulation. I was very disturbed by this, and don't know what to do. I have one silicone implant in one breast and the implant was removed from my cancer breast to now I'm lopsided. He told me that he has seen some really really HARD breasts - not a happy thought. .

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