Choosing Saline or Silicone

Saline Breast Implants

Over the past several years, the vast majority of breast augmentation surgeries have used saline implants. The outer shell of the implant is made of silicone rubber and the inside is filled with saline, a sterile salt and water solution, similar to intravenous fluids.

Should the contents of the implant enter the body for any reason, the body can safely absorb the saline. Because they are filled during surgery, saline implants provide easy implant placement and adjustability. Saline implants are slightly heavier and firmer than silicone gel breast implants.

Silicone Gel Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants have become popular once again, quickly outpacing saline implants since their re-introduction in 2006, following a design improvement and FDA approval. Composed of silicone rubber and filled with cohesive silicone gel, they closely mimic the characteristics of natural breast tissue.

Silicone breast implants are generally smoother, softer, and lighter than saline implants. They have a softer, more natural feel and appearance. Since they come filled from the manufacturer, placement of silicone implants usually requires a slightly larger incision.

Are silicone breast implants safe?

Even now, after FDA approval, misinformation still prevails about silicone implants. The truth is, silicone breast implants were used widely from 1963 to 1992, in literally millions of patients. During this time, they had some design flaws which caused some local problems. However, media reports that tried to correlate connective tissue diseases with the use of silicone breast implants were false, and not backed by scientific evidence.

In 2006, the restrictions were lifted based on new, re-designed “cohesive gel” implants, and surgeons once again are able to utilize silicone implants. With the improvements in silicone implant technology, several excellent options are now on the market.

Choosing Saline or Silicone

Saline Breast Implants

Silicone Gel Breast Implants

Are silicone breast implants safe?

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