When undergoing breast augmentation, you’ll have several important decisions to make, including your ideal breast implant size, where you want your breast implant incision to be, which breast implant placement will be best for you, and what implant material you want: saline vs silicone implants.
In this article, we’ll be reviewing the commonalities and differences between saline vs silicone breast implants. We’ll also discuss the various aspects of these implants that may make one or the other more beneficial to you and your unique goals.
Silicone vs Saline Implants: What’s the Difference?
Most of the time — when breast augmentation is performed correctly by an experienced surgeon — saline vs silicone implants look the same. The main goal of breast implants, after all, is to make the breasts appear larger.
Still, there are several nuanced differences between silicone and saline implants. And for this reason, it’s definitely worth learning more about these two types of implants before committing to one. You may find that one type fits your needs far better than the other.
Silicone Breast Implants Overview
Silicone breast implants (also called silicone gel implants) are a popular breast implant choice among women. These implants are filled with a silicone gel that mimics the feel of natural breast tissue and provides a more realistic texture when compared to saline filled implants.
Silicone implants are available in various shapes and sizes, allowing for a highly customized result. They are known for their durability and longevity, making them a reliable option for many patients.
Benefits of Silicone Implants
A silicone implant offers several advantages when compared with a saline implant. First, it offers a natural look and feel, which is often preferred by patients looking for only subtle enhancement.
Next, the silicone gel inside these silicone gel breast implants maintains its shape better than saline. This helps to reduce the risk of visible rippling or wrinkling. Finally, silicone implants are less likely to deflate or leak when compared to saline implants, and this ensures a more consistent appearance over time.
Drawbacks of Silicone Implants
Despite their benefits, silicone implants have some drawbacks to consider as well. First, they typically require a larger incision for placement due to the pre-filled nature of these implants. Often, shell-only saline implants can be inserted before being filled, and this allows for a smaller incision during breast augmentation surgery.
Next, Regular MRI screenings are recommended to monitor for silent ruptures because if a silicone implant ruptures, you may not have noticeable symptoms. This can be a problem because in the event of a rupture, silicone gel may leak into the surrounding tissue, potentially causing medical problems and requiring surgical removal.
Finally, silicone implants tend to be more expensive than their saline counterparts.
Saline Breast Implants Overview
Saline breast implants are another option for breast augmentation. These implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution and in many cases can be inserted empty, then filled once in place, allowing for a smaller incision.
Saline implants can also be adjusted in volume during surgery, providing flexibility in achieving the desired breast size. They are FDA-approved for patients 18 and older, making them a versatile choice for a wide range of candidates.
Benefits of Saline Implants
Saline implants offer several key benefits. They require a smaller incision, leading to potentially less noticeable scarring. In the event of a rupture, the saline solution is harmlessly absorbed by the body. This not only makes detection of a rupture straightforward, but it also does not necessitate immediate emergency attention as is the case with silicone implants.
Saline implants are generally less expensive than silicone implants too. This makes them an attractive option for budget-conscious patients. And finally, the adjustability of saline implants allows for precise customization during surgery and sometimes after surgery.
Drawbacks of Saline Implants
While saline implants have advantages, they also come with drawbacks. First, they tend to feel firmer and less natural when compared to silicone implants, which can be a significant issue for some patients.
Saline implants are also more prone to visible rippling or wrinkling because of the less viscous nature of saline. This is especially the case in patients with thinner breast tissue and breast skin. Additionally, the likelihood of deflation is higher with saline implants.
FAQ: Silicone vs Saline Breast Implants
Why are saline implants cheaper?
Breast augmentation cost varies depending on the scope of your procedure, where you get surgery, and what your surgeon’s experience is. Often, saline breast implants are cheaper simply because their inner material (sterile salt and water) is less expensive when compared with the inner silicone material of silicone implants.
What are the safest breast implants?
When it comes to which are the safest breast implants — saline or silicone — there is no definitive answer here. While there are some risks and potential complications that may occur, according to most reputable sources, both saline and silicone implants are safe.
Call to Set Up a Consultation With Dr. Rachel Mason
Want to learn more about breast implant types and your options for breast augmentation? Take the first step toward your new look by scheduling a personal consultation appointment with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rachel Mason. You deserve to feel and look your best!