Which saline breast implants hold up the best over time?

Answers from doctors (10)


All of the available brands of saline devices are similarly durable. Reported failure rates are approximately 10-12% over a 10-year span. These risks rise year over year.

Ultimately, most surgeons will have a brand preference. While the safety profiles and offerings will be similar, you should feel free to discuss these preferences with your board-certified plastic surgeon.

Answered by The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery (View Profile)

All of the available brands of saline devices are similarly durable. Reported failure rates are approximately 10-12% over a 10-year span. These risks rise year over year.

Ultimately, most surgeons will have a brand preference. While the safety profiles and offerings will be similar, you should feel free to discuss these preferences with your board-certified plastic surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

Published on Jun 07, 2016

I don't know of any comparison studies, but the Mentor high profile is the best for design, in my opinion.

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Answered by Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

I don't know of any comparison studies, but the Mentor high profile is the best for design, in my opinion.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Edward Domanskis M.D.

Published on Mar 07, 2016

I have not seen any studies comparing which company's saline implants are less likely to deflate.

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Answered by Edward Domanskis M.D.

I have not seen any studies comparing which company's saline implants are less likely to deflate.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Gerald Minniti, M.D., F.A.C.S

Published on Mar 04, 2016

They are all the same, and they are inferior in their durability to silicone gel. I recommend silicone gel for the highest performing and longest lasting implant.

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Answered by Gerald Minniti, M.D., F.A.C.S

They are all the same, and they are inferior in their durability to silicone gel. I recommend silicone gel for the highest performing and longest lasting implant.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Mark E. Mason, MD, FACS

Published on Mar 04, 2016

Almost all breast manufacturers state that breast implants will last about 10 years. Some of the companies will offer an extended warranty (for purchase) for their saline implants, while others do not. They are all comparable in terms of longevity. You may want to discuss this issue with your surgeon---typically the type of saline implant is based on your personal breast measurements and desired result.

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Answered by Mark E. Mason, MD, FACS

Almost all breast manufacturers state that breast implants will last about 10 years. Some of the companies will offer an extended warranty (for purchase) for their saline implants, while others do not. They are all comparable in terms of longevity. You may want to discuss this issue with your surgeon---typically the type of saline implant is based on your personal breast measurements and desired result.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Charles A. Messa, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Published on Mar 04, 2016

Thanks for your question. All saline implants have similar deflation and valve failure rates. In my experience, the textured saline implants have a higher rate of rippling and deflation. I had also found that the Mentor smooth round style 1600 moderate profile saline implant has a softer feel and less palpability when compared to the Allergan moderate profile style 68 implant.

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Answered by Charles A. Messa, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Thanks for your question. All saline implants have similar deflation and valve failure rates. In my experience, the textured saline implants have a higher rate of rippling and deflation. I had also found that the Mentor smooth round style 1600 moderate profile saline implant has a softer feel and less palpability when compared to the Allergan moderate profile style 68 implant.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Robert J. Brueck MD, FACS

Published on Mar 04, 2016

I am not aware of any studies done comparing saline impalnts and their longevity. I think they are all about the same.

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Answered by Robert J. Brueck MD, FACS

I am not aware of any studies done comparing saline impalnts and their longevity. I think they are all about the same.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


There is no direct comparison between the saline implants made by the different

Answered by Steven Teitelbaum, M.D.. F.A.C.S (View Profile)

There is no direct comparison between the saline implants made by the different Published on Jul 11, 2012


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Answered by Lane F. Smith, M.D.

Thank you for your question. The data is controversial, with each implant manufacturer claiming their implants have better longevity and lower rupture rates. Allergan saline breast implants have possibly a slightly lower rupture rate than Mentor saline breast implants, but the rupture rates between the two brands of implants are very similar. Because they are so similar, longevity should not be the major criteria for choosing a specific brand implant. Other factors such as style, choice of sizes and shapes should be taken into account when choosing an implant. In general, it's best to let the surgeon pick the implant type based on your body shape and size.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Otto Placik, MD

Published on Aug 31, 2015

I'm not sure that this study has ever been completed. However it is known that under filling an implant may lead to more folds which will increase the potential for crease fold failure and leakage/rupture/deflation.

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Answered by Otto Placik, MD

I'm not sure that this study has ever been completed. However it is known that under filling an implant may lead to more folds which will increase the potential for crease fold failure and leakage/rupture/deflation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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