Saline vs. Silicone Gel Breast Implants

You may have decided to undergo breast augmentation surgery, but you may still be unsure as to which filler option to choose for your breast implants. When deciding between saline or silicone gel filled implants, it is important to understand the pros and cons of both and to discuss your desired results with your surgeon. In the meantime, Houston plastic surgeon Azita Madjidi offers this discussion on saline versus silicone gel filled breast implants.

Saline vs. Silicone Breast Implants

Though saline and silicone implants offer similar, results there are some key differences. Saline breast implants consist of an outer shell made of silicone, which is inserted empty and filled with a liquid saline solution once properly placed. Silicone breast implants are made entirely of silicone gel and are inserted pre-filled. Here are some other things to help you decide which type of implant is best for you.

• Appearance: Silicone implants were designed to mimic fatty tissue, which can make silicone breast implants look more natural than saline implants. Saline implants run the risk of making the breasts look too full if not filled properly.
• Scarring: For those concerned with scarring, saline implants may be the better choice. Because saline implants are filled after the silicone shell is placed, a smaller incision can be used than with silicone filled implants.
• Breast Feel: If natural feeling breasts are one of your priorities for your breast implants, than silicone may be the better option for you. Silicone implants were created to feel more like fatty tissue, creating a more natural feeling breast than saline implants. In comparison, saline implants sometimes feel harder than silicone implants. This excessive firmness can result from overfilling of the saline implant. If you are considering saline implants, it is important to choose an experienced, trusted surgeon like Dr. Madjidi to ensure the best results.
• Potential Risks Associated with Implant Rupture: Rupture is a potential complication for both saline and silicone filled implants. A saline implant rupture is not harmful to the body, as the saline is readily absorbed into the tissue. However, ruptured saline implants tend to deflate immediately and can lead to asymmetric breasts. Damaged silicone implants tend to leak slowly, which can make a rupture go unnoticed for a long period of time. Unlike saline, leaking silicone can cause pain and irritation within the breast tissue. Because silicone leaks may go unnoticed, it is important to seek regular mammograms or ultrasounds to ensure implants are functioning properly. 
• Long-term Care: Choosing to undergo breast augmentation, regardless of the type of implant you choose, is a commitment to taking special care of your breasts. Both silicone and saline breast implants have a lifespan of about ten years. After ten years, most breast implants will need replacement or removal. As stated prior, those who opt for saline implants will need to undergo routine ultrasound scans to ensure there is no implant leakage or rupture.

Schedule a Consultation

Breast augmentation can improve your appearance and increase your confidence. To learn more about breast augmentation or to find out which type of implant is right for you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Madjidi today!