When it comes to breast augmentation, a “one size fits all” approach just doesn’t exist. Saline and silicone implants both have their advantages and disadvantages, and women can benefit from either one. Here are the key differences between saline and silicone breast implants.

Fill Material

Silicone implants have a silicone shell that’s pre-filled with medical grade silicone.

Saline implants have the exact same silicone shell, but it’s filled with saline or saltwater.

Look & Feel

Since silicone implants are composed purely of silicone, they actually feel like natural breasts. Silicone implants conform to the body easily, so there’s less implant rippling or wrinkling.

Saline implants actually look like water balloons, so they aren’t as natural feeling because they have ripples on the edges. If women do not have much breast tissue, the ripples will probably appear on the side of the breast and cleavage. For this reason, saline implants are not usually recommended for tiny women with small breasts.

Incision Size

Saline implants do not require a very big incision because they can be inflated once inside the breast pocket. As a result, saline implants are often recommended for women who do not want a really noticeable scar.

Silicone implants require a bigger incision since they are made pre-filled to a certain size. Due to the fact that silicone implants provide a more natural feel, the slightly larger scar doesn’t concern some women.

Safety

One of the most common concerns among women considering breast augmentation surgery is safety.

The good news is that silicone and saline implants have been approved by the FDA, and both of these implants are generally safe for use in breast augmentation surgery.

Silicone implants have actually been studied for many years because there were claims that they caused certain health problems. After much research, the FDA has not found any correlation between these types of implants and chronic autoimmune disease.

Many women may also be concerned about the possibility of silicone and saline implants rupturing. If on the rare occasion that a saline implant ruptures, the saline will quickly be absorbed by the woman’s body. In the rare case of a silicone implant rupture, the silicone gel will stay within the area instead of going to other parts of the body.

Before undergoing any cosmetic plastic surgery procedure, it’s extremely important to talk with your surgeon about the potential risks.

Age Guideline

As per the FDA’s regulations, women must be over 22 years old to receive silicone implants.

On the other hand, women can receive saline implants as young as 18 years old.

Cost Compariso

Generally speaking, silicone implants are more expensive than saline implants. So, you’ll want to factor the cost of silicone implants into the total surgery cost.

Should You Get Saline Or Silicone Implants?

The decision to get saline or silicone implants is ultimately up to each woman.

A board certified plastic surgeon can advise you on whether a saline or silicone implant will be the best option for a woman’s aesthetic goals.