Saline VS Silicone: What Are The Different Types Of Breast Implants

Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures, but how much does the general public truly know about the different types of breast implant options? To help you, we’ve gathered information about saline vs silicone breast implants, along with some pros and cons for each.

The Different Types Of Breast Implants

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel and are FDA-approved for breast augmentation in women over the age of 22. They are the most common breast implant on the market and are probably what you think of when you talk about boob jobs.

Pros Of Silicone Breast Implants:

• Silicone breast implants are the softest and most natural feeling option available.

• Because they are completely round, it doesn’t matter if they move or rotate.

• They are they less likely to “ripple” under the skin, making the implant noticeable.

• If they do happen to leak, your breast will still hold its shape.

Cons Of Silicone Breast Implants:

• Because the implant is pre-filled, there will need to be a bigger incision.

• Regular silicone breast implants are only available in a round shape (some women may prefer the teardrop shape)

• Implant ruptures are difficult to spot because the breast retains its shape. Because of this, it is necessary to have regular MRI tests to ensure that your implants are intact. The first typically occurs three years after surgery, then every two years after.

Highly Cohesive Silicone Gel Breast Implants

Highly cohesive silicone gel breast implants also referred to as "gummy bear" or form stable breast implants, are known for being thicker and firmer than breast implants with traditional silicone gel.

Pros Of Silicone Gel Breast Implants:

• Because of their thicker consistency, these form stable breast implants have been shown to offer better long-term performance, with lower rates of rupture, rippling, capsular contraction, or malpositioning.

• They are available in both round and teardrop shapes.

• Choosing the teardrop option may provide more natural looking results since the top of the breast will not be rounded and the bottom side will be fuller and raised.

Cons Of Silicone Gel Breast Implants:

• Stable form implants are firmer to the touch, so they may not feel as natural as regular silicone implants.

• These implants will require a longer incision than regular silicone implants.

• There is a small chance of rotation with the teardrop shape that requires a separate procedure to correct.

• They are generally the most expensive type of implant.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water and are FDA-approved for women over the age of 18. Saline breast implants have lost some popularity due to the increase of silicone breast implants, but they remain an affordable option for patients looking to improve their breasts’ appearance without breaking the bank.

Pros Of Saline Breast Implants:

• Saline solutions are very safe for the body. Should the implant leak or rupture, the saline will be safely absorbed by the body.

• Ruptures are easy to detect.

• These implants will offer the best upper pole fullness and projection.

• Saline breast implants are filled at the time of the surgery. This allows for the volume to be adjustable, which is a good option for women who do not have equal breast sizes.

• Only require a smaller incision since the implant is not pre-filled.

• Generally the most affordable implant option.

Cons Of Saline Breast Implants:

• May not feel as natural to the touch as silicone implants.

• Implant ruptures are more likely to happen than with silicone implants, in which case the breast will lose its shape and deflate.

• Rippling under the skin is more visible.

• Saline breast implants are heavier and may cause the breast to become more bottom-heavy over time.

More Information

Although some plastic surgery offices may offer additional breast implant options, saline and silicone breast implants (both highly cohesive and regular) still remain the most trusted and high-quality breast implants available. To determine if saline or silicone breast implants are right for you, feel free to call us at 407-377-5438 or fill out our Online Form and our patient concierge can help you book a virtual or in-person consultation to receive an evaluation with one of our plastic surgeons in Orlando, FL!