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.

When considering saline versus silicone breast implants, these are some of the key points I share with my patients.

Saline breast implants are the least expensive type of implant. And since the saline in the implant is added after the implant shell is position, I can be very precise with amount of saline used. This offers advantages when achieving a desired cup size and addressing symmetry in cases where a patient may have differences in breast size before surgery. 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. Other aspects of saline breast implants that are sometimes important to patients is that if a saline implant ruptures, saline is salt water that is easily absorbed by the body. And I have had patients say that saline breast implants feel like a water balloon when the hold and feel them. And lastly most people opt for a breast implant revision and get new implants breast implants in 10–20 years.

Silicone breast implants cost about $1,000 more than saline breast implants but most patients agree that they feel more natural. And silicone breast implants are suitable for all body and skin types. Some patients are concerned with the possibility of a silicone breast implant rupture or leak because the body cannot absorb silicone. The silicone simply remains until detected and removed and is usually only detectable with a mammogram or ultrasound. However, a silicone breast implant has a tougher shell and is less likely to rupture. Silicone breast implants also last longer than saline breast implants. Many patients keep their silicone implants for decades.

If you are interested in breast augmentation or a mommy makeover, I encourage you to schedule a consultation so we can discuss saline versus silicone breast implants and which might be best suited for you and your goals.