If you’ve been thinking about getting breast augmentation surgery, it’s important to understand the difference between saline and silicone breast implants. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
1. Filling Material
- Saline Implants: These implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution. The implant shell is placed in the breast pocket empty, and then filled once it’s in position.
- Silicone Implants: These implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that feels much like natural breast tissue.
2. Feel and Texture
- Saline Implants: While saline implants can offer a satisfactory appearance, they tend to feel firmer than silicone implants, especially in women with less natural breast tissue. They may also be more prone to visible rippling or wrinkling, particularly for thinner individuals.
- Silicone Implants: Silicone implants are known for their soft, natural feel. The silicone gel closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue, making them a popular choice for women seeking a more lifelike result.
3. Appearance
- Saline Implants: These implants can sometimes appear less natural, especially in women with very little breast tissue. They may create more visible contours or ripples, particularly if the implant is placed under the skin rather than beneath the muscle.
- Silicone Implants: Silicone implants generally provide a more natural shape and contour, offering a smoother and fuller appearance. They are less likely to show visible ripples, especially in women with lower body fat or less natural breast tissue.
4. Safety in Case of Rupture
- Saline Implants: If a saline implant ruptures, the body will naturally absorb the saline solution, and the implant will collapse. This makes it easy to detect a rupture, as the breast will noticeably lose volume. There’s no risk of harmful effects since the saline is naturally absorbed.
- Silicone Implants: A rupture in silicone implants is often harder to detect because the silicone gel may remain inside the shell or leak into the surrounding tissue without visible changes in appearance. This is known as a “silent rupture,” and it may require imaging tests (such as an MRI) to detect it. However, the silicone gel is considered to be non-toxic, and any leakage is generally not harmful to the body.
5. Incision Size
- Saline Implants: Since saline implants are inserted empty and then filled after placement, the incisions required to insert them can often be smaller compared to silicone implants.
- Silicone Implants: Silicone implants require a slightly larger incision, as they are pre-filled and cannot be collapsed for easier insertion.
6. Cost
- Saline Implants: Generally, saline implants are less expensive than silicone implants due to the cost of materials and the manufacturing process.
- Silicone Implants: Silicone implants tend to be more expensive because the silicone gel is more costly to produce, and the implants themselves are more complex to create.
7. Longevity
- Saline Implants: Saline implants may be slightly more prone to leakage or deflation over time, especially if the shell develops a tear.
- Silicone Implants: Silicone implants are generally more durable and less likely to experience rupture, but they do require more monitoring and imaging (like MRIs) to ensure they remain intact over the long term.
Choosing between saline and silicone implants ultimately comes down to your personal preferences, goals, and body type. Schedule a consultation today with Karen Singer, MD, PA of St. Petersburg, Florida to learn which breast implant type is the best choice for YOU!