Saline Versus Silicone Breast Implants

During initial consultation with patients who are interested in a breast augmentation or breast lift procedure, my patients commonly ask about saline versus silicone breast implants. While most of my patients ultimately choose silicone and shaped gel implants, many patients choose to go with saline. I base my recommendations on the patient, their skin, their normal BMI, their goals and their preferences.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are filled with saline (sterile saltwater) after placement, allowing me to fine-tune the volume for ideal size and symmetry. This offers advantages for patients with natural breast size differences.

Saline implants are generally more affordable than silicone and offer peace of mind. If a rupture occurs, the saline is simply absorbed by the body with no harm. Deflation is immediate and easy to detect, allowing for quick replacement.

However, saline implants can feel firmer and less natural than silicone. That said, I usually do not recommend saline implants for thin patients who have very little body fat or patients that have thin skin because there is more of a possibility that there will be visible rippling and in some cases you can actually feel the edge of the implant.

Many describe the feel as similar to a water balloon, and while their appearance can be excellent, they don’t mimic the natural softness of breast tissue as well as silicone. Most saline implants last 10–20 years, though many patients elect to replace them sooner for aesthetic updates.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants are pre-filled with a cohesive silicone gel that looks and feels more like natural breast tissue. They cost about $1,000 more per pair but are preferred by most patients for their realistic softness and shape retention.

Silicone implants are ideal for nearly all body types, including those with thinner skin. The gel maintains a uniform, natural contour and minimizes rippling. Shaped gel breast implants use a form-stable silicone that holds its shape even if the outer shell is damaged.

Another thing to consider when evaluating saline versus silicone breast implants is that while saline ruptures are instantly visible, a silicone implant rupture may not be noticeable without imaging such as an MRI or ultrasound, since the cohesive gel usually stays within the shell. Silicone implants also tend to last for decades and rarely require early replacement.

Choosing the Right Implant

During your consultation, we’ll discuss saline versus silicone breast implants in detail, including incision placement, recovery, and long-term expectations. I customize each breast augmentation to achieve natural-looking symmetry, proportion, and feel.

Schedule A Consultation

If you’d like to learn more about saline versus silicone breast implants, schedule a personal consultation to discuss which option best fits your body type and goals. In the mean-time, our Breast Augmentation page has extensive information about the types of breast implants we offer and much more about Breast Augmentation. And you can visit Mentor’s website for first-hand information about the brand of implants I offer for my patients