It’s a question that seems as old as time–or at least as old as breast implants. When you’re considering breast augmentation, should you choose saline implants or silicone implants? The truth? There’s no one correct answer. Saline implants might be perfect for one person, but not the right choice for another.
When deciding between saline or silicone implants, it helps to weigh the pros and cons of each so you can pick the type that best meets your needs. Let’s take a look at some of the differences between the two materials so you can get an idea of which option will help you reach your aesthetic goals.
Look and Feel
When positioned in the breasts, silicone and saline implants differ in terms of look and feel. Silicone implants typically have a more natural feel. The material inside the implant feels more like natural breast tissue. It’s somewhat soft and squishy, while filled saline implants tend to feel firm to the touch.
The positioning of the implant in the breasts can also affect how it feels. For example, placing the implants under the muscle usually creates a softer, more natural feel with both saline and silicone implants. But if the implants are put on top of the muscle, silicone usually feels softer and more natural.
Once the implants are placed, they usually look considerably different. Saline implants tend to look more artificial, as they usually create a rounder breast. There’s also a higher chance that saline implants will create wrinkles or rippling in the skin.
Winner: Silicone
Size and Shape
Saline implants seem to have a bit of an edge over silicone implants when it comes to size. The main reason for this is that a surgeon can place the implants in the breasts, then fill them with saline. Doing so allows a surgeon to truly customize the size of the implant. Silicone implants are only available in predetermined sizes. They also typically require larger incisions during placement, since the pre-filled implants are larger when they’re being put in.
Both silicone and saline implants are available in a variety of size, notably teardrop-shaped and round. Patients can also choose from a variety of profiles, or heights, for either type of implant.
Winner: Saline
Durability
The FDA notes that breast implants aren’t designed to be lifetime devices. There is a likelihood that you’ll need to change them out or remove them at some point. Whether you remove them because of a change in preference or because of damage to the implant depends on your situation.
Usually, both saline and silicone implants have long usage lives. Both can last for 10 years, if not more. Modern implants are becoming more durable all the time.
When it comes to detecting an issue with the implants, saline has a slight edge. If a saline implant bursts or springs a leak, the salt water inside of it will quickly leak out, causing the implant to deflate. Since silicone implants are filled with a thick gel, they are less likely to leak if there’s a rupture, making it more difficult to tell if there’s a problem.
In some cases, silicone implants have a better warranty than saline. Some saline implants have a 10-year warranty while some silicone implants have a lifetime guarantee.
Winner: Tie
Risks
Both saline and silicone implants are safe and are approved by the FDA for breast augmentation or reconstruction. But that doesn’t mean that they aren’t without risks. One possible risk is something called capsular contracture, which occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant and squeezes it. Capsular contracture can change the shape of the breasts and can be pretty painful if it reaches an advanced stage. The only way to treat it is to remove (and possibly replace) the implants.
Although capsular contracture can occur with both saline or silicone implants, there’s a slightly higher risk with saline implants.
Winner: Silicone
Cost
The price of implants can vary greatly depending on the brand and on the material inside of them. Usually, saline implants are less expensive than silicone implants. But when the cost of the implants is combined with the overall cost of surgery, including anesthesia, follow-up appointments, and the operating room, the difference is usually not enough to be a sole determining factor.
It might be tempting to choose saline implants because they cost less, but it’s important to keep in mind the other pros and cons of them compared to silicone before you make your final choice.
Winner: Tie
A board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston, Texas, Dr. Paul Vitenas has nearly 30 years of experience helping patients achieve beautiful and natural results. Whether you are considering saline or silicone implants, he can work with you to help you choose the size, shape, and texture that will best help you reach your goals. To learn more, call 281-484-0088 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vitenas today.