Saline vs. Silicone Implants

If you’re considering breast augmentation, you’ll need to decide which type of breast implant you want. Saline and silicone are both available, FDA-approved, and provide a similar look to the breasts. However, there are several key differences between these implant types for your consideration.

Silicone

Silicone implants come pre-filled with silicone gel before being inserted into the breasts. Silicone is a thick, cohesive substance that closely resembles the feel of human fat. So, silicone implants provide a natural look and feel to the breasts. In fact, due to their close resemblance to natural breast tissue, silicone implants are more popular among patients than saline implants.

If a silicone implant ruptures, the patient may not notice it immediately, if they notice it at all. This is called a “silent rupture” because the silicone from inside the implant may stay within the fibrous tissue surrounding the implant. This can lead to breast pain, firmness, or changes to the shape of the breast. It is important to have your silicone implants evaluated over time to identify a rupture if it occurs.

Silicone is cleared by the FDA for women aged 22 and older.

Saline

Saline implants contain sterile salt water. Unlike silicone implants, which are pre-filled, they are placed into the body first and then filled. Since they are inserted empty, the incision for saline implants is often smaller than that of silicone implants. The price point is also typically lower for this type of implant. However, saline implants are more likely to ripple.

If a saline implant ruptures, the implant will deflate, making the decrease in the volume of the breast obvious to the patient. The body will safely absorb the saline solution, but the implant shell will need to be removed.

Saline implants are FDA-approved for women aged 18 and older.

Choosing The Right Breast Implants For You

Dr. Mosiello at Tampa Palms Plastic Surgery has comprehensive expertise in breast augmentation and can help you select the right breast implants for your personal goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.