Generally speaking, both saline and silicone implants are good devices and can yield very similar appearances although the "feel" of the 2 types of implants with very similar outer shells yet very different inner fill materials can be quite different. Silicone is the "gold standard", most commonly used in the world and was replaced by saline primarily in the US from 1992 to 2016 when the FDA restricted use of silicone due to a large blow up and class action lawsuits against manufacturers due to claims of silicone toxicities. Fast forward to 2023, silicone implants have evolved through several "generations" of reengineering with stronger shells and more cohesive gel fillings to minimize problems. As well, the controversies over silicone have largely been set aside by science although a small but vocal percentage of women with breast implants of any kind have pushed for implant removal due to concerns of serious health issues (BIAI) related to their implants.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Usually, saline implants are cheaper. But with that, they have a tendency to ripple more and not last as long. If the shell ruptures you'll know about it (looks like a flat tire) vs the silicone implants have a "silent rupture" where you wouldn't otherwise know. Both implants have a silicone shell and the only difference is the inside 'fill'. Hope this helps!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Silicone is denser, heavier. According to the FDA, because of such, patients with these implants are supposed to have a MRI at 3, 5, 7, 9 yrs post-op and then replace them at 10 yrs. Many surgeons will not tell you this. Also, they cost more, can leak silicone should they rupture, are prefilled requiring a larger incision, and they are not adjustable as far as volume like the saline.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There are two main reasons why you might choose saline implants:

1. Saline implants require smaller incisions.

2. Saline implants also may be a better choice if you have uneven breasts. Most women have one breast that is slightly larger than the other and if you’ve decided that you want the smaller breast to better match the larger one, saline may be better because the saline implant allows the doctor to fill the smaller implant to match the size of your other breast.

There are four main reasons why women choose silicone implants:

1. Silicone feels more natural and comes very close to the feel of your natural breast. It also tends to look more natural, especially when leaning forward.

2. Silicone tends to look more natural, especially when moving. This more natural look and feel is the main reason women choose silicone over saline.

3. Silicone implants also are less likely to ripple. Their gel-like consistency usually means you’re less likely to see a distortion or rippling than you would with a saline implant.

4. Silicone implants last longer than saline implants. In fact, silicone implants now carry a “lifetime” warranty.

In the end the decision is always the patient's preference.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Talk to your doctor. Sometimes, the patient can choose (they will have the same beautiful result with either type of implant) and sometimes the patient HAS to have silicone gel breast implants to get a nice result. Usually, the patients' who NEED to get silicone gel breast implants are the patients who have very little body fat / very little breast tissue to cover the implants. Silicone gel breast implants are softer so if the patient doesnt have the breast tissue to cover the implants, it may be best to use the silicone gel. There is a cost difference between the 2 implants as well (silicone gel is more expensive), so that may be a factor. I hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Due to the increased thickness of silicone gel, silicone implants feel softer and more natural then saline. This also decreases the likihood of being able to feel the implant as well as being able to see or feel rippling. The cost of siliocne implants is typically double th ecost of a saline implant. Finally, it is fairly obvious when a saline implant leaks because it typically goes flat. Silicone implants do not typically give you any visual clue that they have leaked. An MRI is often required to determine if one is leaking. Leaking siliocne implants are not dangerous but should be replaced if they are detected. If you are considering saline implants you should take a look at the Ideal implant. It feels more like silicone with less chance of rippling.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for asking. In very general terms, the outer shell is the same for both varieties and for both this is a type of silicone. The saline and silicone refer to the inner filling under the silicone shell. Saline is typically less expensive. Silicone comes pre filled. Most patients today prefer the feel of silicone. See a board-certified plastic surgeon who can discuss more details. Best wishes!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Saline implants are inferior in every way to silicone gel implants. Today, more than 90% of patients are getting silicone gel in the US. Saline implants ripple more, stretch and thin skin/breast tissue more, feel firm, and are more likely to leak. When saline implants leak the deflate, which pushes the issue on you to act quickly. Silicone gel never deflates. When they are discovered to have ruptured (by ultrasound or MRI), you can act on it at your convenience.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Silicone implants are more durable, feel more natural, have a lower chance of rippling than saline implants. Saline implants are slightly cheaper and the incision needed is only 2 cm as opposed to 3.5- 4.5 cm for silicone. Over 80-90 % of women and plastic surgeons in this country use silicone for the reasons listed above.

Best wishes,
Dr Ravi Somayazula

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The biggest difference comes down to feel. They both can give a patient the size, shape, and look they are after, but there is a big difference in feel. The silicone gel implants feel much more natural on average than the saline implants. That is why my patients prefer silicone implants 95% of the time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

In my opinion, the biggest difference is in the feel. Silicone is more natural, softer and clearly a more superior implant.

Published on Jul 11, 2012