Breast Implant Options Explained: The Key Differences Between Saline and Silicone

One of the first choices you’ll make when planning your breast augmentation is between saline or silicone breast implants. While both options are used widely, their differences will affect everything from the feel and appearance of your results to your long-term maintenance needs. At Plastic Surgeons of Alaska, we’ve helped thousands of women achieve their ideal breast shape, and we’re here to help you choose the best implant fill material for your needs.

What’s the Difference Between Saline and Silicone Breast Implants?

Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater after they’re placed in the body, so the surgeon has more control over the implant’s size during surgery. On the other hand, silicone implants are pre-filled with a cohesive gel, which many patients say feels more like natural breast tissue. Both types have their advantages, so weighing the pros and cons of each implant type is important.

Durability & Lifespan: How Long Do Saline vs. Silicone Implants Last?

Breast implants are not lifetime devices, but they can last many years without issue. Silicone implants tend to have a slightly longer lifespan than saline, often lasting between 10 and 20 years. Saline implants also hold up well over time but deflate if a rupture occurs. The good news is that if a saline implant ruptures, the body absorbs the saltwater harmlessly, and the deflation is immediately noticeable.

Silicone implants, on the other hand, require regular monitoring through MRI scans to detect “silent ruptures.” With a silent rupture, the silicone gel leaks but remains inside the scar tissue capsule, making it less obvious a rupture has occurred.

Placement & Incisions: Saline vs. Silicone Implants

The type of implant you choose can also influence the surgical options available to our board-certified plastic surgeons. Because we fill saline implants after insertion, they can often be placed through smaller incisions, leading to less visible scarring. Silicone implants, being pre-filled, require a slightly larger incision.

We can place both types of implants above or below the muscle, depending on your anatomy and the look you’re aiming for. You can also combine either type of implant with breast lift surgery if desired. Your body type will play a role in determining which implant option will give you the best results.

Safety & Rupture Risks: Which Breast Implant Is Safer?

Both saline and silicone implants are considered safe, but each comes with its own risks.

• Saline Implants: These implants tend to be safer in the case of a rupture. The body absorbs the saline solution without risk to your health, although you will likely require surgery to remove the implant shell.
• Silicone Implants: A rupture in a silicone implant can be more complicated. While implant manufacturers design the silicone to stay within the ruptured implant shell, some leakage can occur. You will need surgery to remove and replace the implant.

The FDA recommends that patients with silicone implants have an MRI or high-resolution ultrasound exam every few years to check for silent ruptures. Your surgeon will discuss the risks involved with each type of implant, including the risk of silicone and saline breast implant illness (BII). You can learn more about BII in our related blog post.

Initial & Long-Term Costs: How Much Are Silicone Breast Implants vs. Saline?

Saline implants generally cost less than silicone implants. Considering long-term costs is also important, especially since silicone implants require more frequent monitoring, adding to the overall expense. Additionally, you should factor the cost of replacing implants into your decision. One of our surgeons can review expected lifetime costs based on your unique needs and goals.

Feel & Appearance: How Do Saline and Silicone Implants Differ?

One of the most common questions patients ask is how the implants will feel and look once they’re in place. Silicone implants are often praised for their natural look and feel, closely mimicking breast tissue. Saline implants can feel a bit firmer or harder than natural breast tissue.

Both types of implants have similar rates of rippling and developing folds. You may be more likely to develop visible implant rippling or folding if you have thin skin or little existing breast tissue. However, your result will also depend on factors like implant placement, implant size, and body type. Discussing your aesthetic goals with our team will help you achieve the look and feel you want.

Implant Maintenance: What You Need To Know About Long-Term Care

While breast implants don’t require daily maintenance, they do come with some long-term care considerations. The most common concern for saline implants is deflation, which can occur without warning. Silicone implants, as mentioned earlier, require MRI screenings to monitor for silent ruptures.

It’s also important to stay up-to-date with your routine health screenings, like mammograms. Let your healthcare providers know about your implants so they can adjust their techniques to ensure accurate results.

How To Choose the Right Implant Based on Your Goals

Choosing between saline and silicone breast implants depends largely on your personal goals and lifestyle. Are you looking for the most natural feel? Do you want a smaller incision with less scarring? Do you have concerns about rupture risks or long-term maintenance? These are all questions to consider when making your decision.

Silicone implants may be ideal for patients who prioritize a natural feel. In contrast, saline implants may appeal to those who want more control over their size during surgery or have concerns about silent ruptures.

Issues To Discuss With Your Surgeon

When you meet with our surgeons, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure you’re fully informed. Here are some key issues we’ll discuss during your consultation:

• Which implant type is recommended for your body type and goals.
• The risks and benefits of each implant type for you.
• What the incision and placement options look like in your case.
• How often you will need follow-up care or monitoring.

With four exceptional board-certified plastic surgeons to choose from, you can trust us to guide you through this decision and help you weigh the pros and cons of each option based on your individual circumstances.

Getting Started

At Plastic Surgeons of Alaska, we’ve been helping patients choose the right breast implants for their unique needs for more than 30 years. Whether you’re considering saline or silicone, we’re here to help you make the most informed decision possible. Contact us today at (907) 563-2002 or use our online form to request a consultation!