Saline vs. Silicone Breast Implants

When considering breast augmentation surgery, one of the most common questions is: Which breast implant is best? The two options available are saline and silicone gel filled breast implants. Each carries its own set of pros and cons, which are thoroughly discussed during your initial consultation. While they are both made of a thin, silicone shell, they have very different fillings.

Saline implants are placed in the breasts through one of various incision sites – under the breast, around the nipple, or through the armpit. The empty shell is placed either beneath or above the chest muscle and then filled with the desired amount of saline. Silicone gel breast implants can also be placed through any of theses incisions. These come pre-filled; therefore, the volume is changed by choosing a specific implant size. In regards to natural look and feel, silicone implants are ideal. However, should a silicone gel filled implant rupture, it will not be as noticeable as when a saline breast implant leaks. One important factor that patients must take into account is the age restriction of each implant type: 18 years old for saline and 22 years old for silicone gel.

You may gain further information regarding saline and silicone gel breast implants and learn of the most appropriate options for your body shape and size by contacting our office. After a thorough examination a personalized treatment plan can be created to meet your goals.