Saline or Silicone? Which Implant Option is Right for You?

Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves saline and silicone gel implants for use during breast augmentation and reconstructive surgery. Brisbane plastic surgery expert Dr. Phil Richardson outlines the advantages and disadvantages of each implant type in this blog post.

Saline Implants

Saline implants are often criticized as having less natural feel than their silicone counterparts. However, improvements in technique, technology, and placement of the implant can make saline implants look and feel more natural. In addition, saline implants do offer some distinct advantages when compared to silicone implants, including:

Saline implants are filled after they have been inserted into the body. Because the implants are initially empty and then filled once inside the patient, they are inserted using smaller incisions, hence minimizing the size scars. 

Saline implants are easier to replace in the event of rupture, capsular contracture, or rippling. 

The saline solution that is used to fill the implants is less dangerous than silicone. If a saline implant ruptures, the liquid will be harmlessly absorbed into the body. 

Saline implants allow for more incisional options since they are filled after that are placed in the body; patients can have the implants inserted through an incision that is made in the crease of the breast, around the nipple, in the stomach, or in the armpit.

Saline implants tend to run about $1,000 less than silicone gel implants.

Candidates for saline implants are women age 18 or older or women of any age for breast reconstruction.

Silicone Implants

Many women prefer silicone implants because they offer a more natural feel and appearance.  They are a good option for thin women who do not have large amounts of soft tissue coverage. Candidates for silicone implants are women 22 years of age or older or women of any age for breast reconstruction. Although silicone implants are becoming more popular among patients, patients should be aware that incisional options are limited and ruptures are less noticeable.

Silicone implants are encased in a silicone rubber shell and filled with silicone gel that consists of a thick, sticky fluid that closely resembles the feel of human fat and breast tissue. In the event of a rupture, the gel will leak out slowly. For some patients, there are no obvious symptoms of the problem, making ruptures difficult to detect. As a result, the FDA recommends that women who receive silicone implants undergo an MRI three years after surgery, and then every two years to check for ruptures.

Because silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel, the options for insertion are limited. Generally the implant will be inserted under the breast, which typically requires larger incisions and increases the potential for visible scarring.

Brisbane breast augmentation expert Dr. Phil Richardson is ready to consult patients with any of their breast augmentation inquiries.  Contact our practice to schedule an appointment with us.