Seung K. Kim, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
Recent answer posted by Seung K. Kim, MD
Q: How to choose between silicone breast implants and saline breast implants?
It is true that silicone gel implants feel better than saline implants. Does that mean everyone should get gel implants? The answer is no. The choice should be individualized considering risks and benefits for each person.
A saline implant is more obvious to touch under a thin cover. Under a thick cover, difference between gel and saline becomes less. However, if a saline implant leaks, detection is very easy and does not require any special tests. Replacement operation is simple. Only the shell needs to be removed since saline disappears soon after the break. Incisions required for insertion and removal can be small. It is less expensive.
A gel implant is nicer to touch. But in case of breakage, detection is more difficult. It requires an MRI scan. As a matter of fact, the manufacturer recommends that surveillance MRIs be done in regular intervals. Replacement operation is more involved requiring complete removal of the material. Gel implants come pre-filled. So the incision has be be made larger than for saline which comes empty. Gel implants cost more.
One thing that is not discussed often is the fact that implants are not designed to last the life time. Every young woman undergoing a breast implant operation today will experience implant rupture during her life time. Therefore, in general, if a woman has relatively thick tissue, saline implants would be appropriate. If a woman has rather thin breast tissue and is skinny all around, gel implant would do better despite the drawbacks noted. Of course, there are exceptions in which a woman expresses a strong feeling for or against a type of implant. Individual wishes should be respected if possible as long as the pros and cons are fully discussed.
| Board certification | |
| Education | Undergraduate: Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, Dartmouth College Hanover, New Hampshire, summa cum laude, 1970-1973 Medical School: Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford, California, 1973-1977 |
| Post-medical school training | Internship: Stanford University Medical Center, 1977-1978 Residency: General Surgery Stanford University Medical Center 1978-1980 Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Stanford University Medical Center 1980-1981 Chief Resident in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center 1982-1983 Fellowship: Plastic Surgery Stanford University Medical Center 7/81-12/81 |
| Aesthetic medicine experience | 23 years (post-medical training) |
| Professional memberships | American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) |
| Hospital affiliations | Stanford University Medical Center, Sequoia Hospital |
| Medical or professional license | CA |
| Requesting an appointment with Seung K. Kim, MD using RealSelf.com is free & confidential. Consultation fee: free if you mention RealSelf.com | |
| Location | SK Plastic Surgery 1515 El Camino Real Ste. F Palo Alto, CA View map See Dr. Seung K. Kim, MD at surgery.org |
Treatments offered by Seung K. Kim, MD
Arm liftAsian eyelid surgery
Botox
Breast implant removal
Breast implants
Breast lift
Breast reduction
Brow lift
Cheek lift
Chemical peel
Chin implant
Chin liposuction
Chin surgery
Dysport
Ear surgery
Earlobe repair
Eyelid Surgery
Facelift
Fat injections
Fat transfer
Forehead lift
Hyaluronidase
IPL
Juvederm
Laser hair removal
Laser peel
Laser resurfacing
Laser surgery
Latisse
Liposuction
Lower face lift
Male breast reduction
Mini lift
Mini tummy tuck
Neck lift
Nipple surgery
Non surgical nose job
Perlane
Permanent makeup
Photofacial
ProFractional Laser
Radiesse
Restylane
Retin-A
Rhinoplasty
Sculptra
Skin rejuvenation
SMAS facelift
TCA peel
Tumescent liposuction
Tummy tuck
Vaser Liposuction
Zerona

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