Breast Implants: Saline vs. Silicone

When deciding to pursue a breast augmentation surgery via breast implants, the most important decision you’ll have to make is the type of implants you receive. For anyone new to breast implants, it may feel like an intimidating decision. Luckily, we’re going to take a look at saline and silicone implants to inform you of the differences between your breast implant options. Afterwards, you will have a better understanding of your options so that you can choose the implant that’s perfect for you.

What’s In a Silicone and Saline Breast Implant?

Saline breast implants and silicone implants are both made of the same material on the outside – an outer silicone shell. They each have an outer shell composed of durable silicone. The filling is where these two implant types differ. Saline breast implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution. The benefit to this is that they are filled after being placed in the breast. This means slightly smaller incisions, and thereby, smaller scars. Silicone breast implants, on the other hand, are pre-filled with a silicone gel. This gel resembles the consistency of human fat, resulting in a breast implant that feels more natural. Saline implants are also less expensive than silicone gel implants.

What Will the Results Look Like?

The type of implants you choose can impact your final results based on their materials. While saline implants offer a more flexible surgery, they tend to feel less natural than silicone implants. Furthermore, some patients experience a “ripple” appearance on the breasts, which may give away the presence of breast implants. With silicone gel breast implants, patients can expect results that look and feel much more like natural breast tissue. However, your results are highly dependent on the skill and careful planning of your board-certified plastic surgeon.

What About Breast Implant Ruptures?

The rupturing of a breast implant is one of the most common risks of implants, albeit one of the few. When a saline implant ruptures, the saline solution leaks into the body. It is safely absorbed, but you will notice a gradual deflation in breast size when it happens. The issue here is that you may not notice when the rupture occurs. This can create health risks in the future, so checking for implant ruptures on a regular basis is important for patients with silicone implants.

Which Breast Implant is Best for Me?

If you are still having trouble choosing the right implant, don’t worry. Talking to a doctor about your needs and goals can be the perfect opportunity to aid your decision making. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at Port City Plastic Surgery, where we’ll discuss your treatment goals to determine the breast implant that is right for you.