One of the most confusing decisions that breast augmentation patients face is whether to choose saline breast implants or silicone breast implants.
The difficulty in making this decision often comes from the fact that patients must choose primarily based on their personal preferences and not out of medical necessity.
Look and Feel
Both silicone and saline implants can give you a natural look, particularly if the implants are placed under the chest muscles; however, silicone breast implants have a reputation for providing a more natural feel.
This makes sense, given that silicone implants today are made of a cohesive gel material that more closely mimics the weight and suppleness of natural breast tissue than liquid saline solution.
Patients who are very thin or have little natural breast tissue to cover their implants are often good candidates for silicone gel implants because the implants are softer and less prone to rippling, allowing for a more natural look and feel.
Patients with pronounced asymmetry in the size of their natural breasts may also be good candidates for saline implants, as the volume of saline solution in each implant can be adjusted to even out the breasts.
Scarring
Saline breast implants are composed of an outer silicone shell and a filling of liquid saline solution. Because the saline solution can be added after the implant shells have been placed in the chest wall, the incisions needed to place saline implants are slightly smaller.
There are also more options as to where incisions can be placed with saline implants. Unlike silicone implants, which can be inserted only through incisions in each breast fold (inframammary incisions) or along each armpit (transaxillary incisions), saline implants can also be inserted through incisions around the border of each areola (periareolar incisions) and even through the belly button (TUBA incision).
Thus, saline implants result in smaller scars (about half an inch smaller) than silicone implants and offer more options for patients in terms of where their breast augmentation scars are located.
Safety
In 2006, the FDA ended a 14-year moratorium on silicone breast implants that was instituted because lawmakers felt there was insufficient evidence to rule that the implants were safe.
After years of rigorous testing, the FDA allowed silicone implants to re-enter the market because no scientific data had been produced to link silicone implants to systemic diseases they were previously assumed to cause.
From a scientific standpoint, the safety of silicone implants and saline implants is identical. The only difference between the two from a legal standpoint is that patients must be 22 to have silicone implants, whereas they can be as young as 18 to have saline implants.
Patients who choose either option can rest assured that all FDA approved breast implants are safe and will not directly affect your health and wellness in any way, positively or negatively.
Breast Implant Cost
Breast implant manufacturers charge about $1,000 more for silicone breast implants than saline breast implants, so breast augmentation with silicone implants is slightly more expensive initially.
Also, consider that patients with silicone implants should have an MRI three years after surgery and every two years thereafter, as there is no other way to detect breast cancer or implant ruptures with silicone implants. Saline implants, on the other hand, do not require an MRI to detect cancer and will visibly deflate if they are ruptured.
Due to the cost of periodic MRIs, the cost of maintaining silicone implants can be slightly higher in the long run.
The Bottom Line
It is easy to get overwhelmed evaluating the pros and cons of each breast implant material, but before you do, remember that you have a guiding light in this process: your cosmetic surgeon. Dr. Rosen is a fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeon, and he has helped hundreds of Bucks County breast enhancement patients choose the best breast implants to meet their unique needs.
Trust Dr. Rosen to help you make this important decision, and feel free to ask questions, talk to other breast augmentation patients and look at plenty of breast augmentation before-and-after photos before you decide on silicone or saline breast implants. Contact our team today for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saline and Silicone Breast Implants
What is the difference between saline and silicone breast implants?
Saline breast implants have a silicone outer shell filled with sterile saltwater, while silicone breast implants contain a cohesive silicone gel. Both can enhance breast size and shape, but silicone implants are often preferred for their softer, more natural feel. The best option depends on your anatomy, aesthetic goals, and personal preferences.
Do silicone or saline breast implants look more natural?
Both saline and silicone breast implants can create natural-looking results. However, silicone implants often feel more like natural breast tissue and may be less prone to visible rippling, particularly in patients with limited natural breast tissue. Implant size, placement, and surgical technique also influence the final appearance.
Are saline or silicone breast implants safer?
Both saline and silicone breast implants approved by the FDA have established safety profiles, but neither is completely free of risks. Potential complications include capsular contracture, implant rupture, and the need for additional surgery. Your surgeon can explain the risks associated with each implant type and help you choose an option based on your medical history and goals.
Do saline breast implants leave smaller scars than silicone implants?
Saline implants can sometimes be inserted through smaller incisions because they are filled after placement. Silicone implants are prefilled and may require a larger incision, depending on implant size and surgical technique. The location and visibility of breast augmentation scars depend on the incision approach, implant dimensions, and individual healing.
Do silicone breast implants require MRI scans?
The FDA recommends that patients with silicone gel breast implants undergo an ultrasound or MRI to screen for silent implant rupture beginning five to six years after surgery and every two to three years afterward. Additional imaging may be recommended if symptoms or concerns arise. Routine screening recommendations differ for saline implants, which typically deflate visibly when they rupture.
Are saline breast implants less expensive than silicone implants?
Saline breast implants generally cost less than silicone implants, although the total cost of breast augmentation depends on several factors, including surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility costs, and implant selection. Long-term expenses may also vary depending on imaging recommendations, implant complications, and whether revision surgery is needed.
How do I choose between saline and silicone breast implants?
Choosing between saline and silicone breast implants involves considering your desired look and feel, natural breast tissue, body proportions, implant size, and budget. Silicone implants may be appealing if a softer feel and reduced visibility of rippling are priorities, while saline implants offer the advantage of visible deflation if a rupture occurs. Dr. Rosen can help you compare the options during a breast augmentation consultation.
How long do saline and silicone breast implants last?
Neither saline nor silicone breast implants are considered lifetime devices. Many implants last for years, but some patients may need additional surgery because of rupture, capsular contracture, changes in breast appearance, or personal preferences. Regular follow-up with your surgeon can help you monitor your implants and address concerns as they arise.