One of the first questions that women ask when planning their breast augmentation is, “What type of breast implants should I get?” If you’ve already started your research, you probably know that there are two main types of breast implants: saline and silicone. While there’s a wealth of information available about the pros and cons of each, many women still feel confused about which to choose.
Use this guide to help you better understand the key differences between saline and silicone breast implants and decide which could be the best type of breast implant for you.
Saline vs. Silicone Implants: What’s the Difference?
The key difference between saline and silicone implants is that saline implants consist of an outer shell that is inserted into the breast pocket and then filled with a saline solution, whereas silicone implants are pre-filled with a silicone material.
In general, some women find that silicone implants look and feel more like natural breasts than saline implants, although saline implants can come with fewer potential complications than silicone implants.
Below are some commonly asked questions and answers about saline and silicone implants.
1. Which Implant Type Is Safer?
Both saline and silicone breast implants are generally considered to be safe. However, some recent reports have raised possible concerns regarding a link between a type of silicone breast implant (textured surface) and certain health problems. While more research is needed to determine if these concerns are founded, it’s a good idea to discuss all potential risks with your plastic surgeon prior to breast enhancement.
Additionally, an MRI is required to detect a rupture with silicone implants, while a ruptured saline implant will be immediately noticeable.
2. Which Implant Type Is More Expensive?
Silicone implants are usually more costly than saline implants. However, don’t opt for saline simply because of the price difference if you are set on silicone implants.
Spending the extra money now on silicone implants and loving your results will be much better than paying for a breast augmentation revision down the road because you want silicone implants instead of saline.
3. Which Implant Type Lasts Longer?
Follow your plastic surgeon’s aftercare instructions to help your breast implants last as long as possible.
Both saline and silicone implants can last for 10 to 20 years,, or more before they may need to be replaced. Note that neither implant type is necessarily permanent.
The longevity of your breast implants depends on a variety of factors, including your age, genetics and lifestyle habits.
4. How Do I Know If Saline or Silicone Is Best for Me?
Schedule a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon who can run through the benefits and drawbacks of each type with you, listen to your goals and offer professional recommendations for your unique situation.
You can also virtually try on different implants, use sizer tools, look at before and after photos and see samples of each breast implant type during your consultation to give you a better idea of the differences between them.
Ultimately, the decision comes down your personal preferences, so work with your plastic surgeon to create a breast augmentation plan that will help to give you the results you have in mind.
Dr. Eric Mariotti, a board-certified plastic surgeon, is known throughout the East Bay for his genuine compassion and the remarkable results he creates. Women and men come to his plastic surgery practice in Concord because he is highly trained and experienced, and has a caring personality. His patients think of him as a down-to-earth guy who happens to be a talented plastic surgeon.
