Silicone and Saline Breast Implants: What's the Difference?

Breast implants can contain different types of fillers. So, what’s the difference between implants filled with silicone gel and implants filled with a saline solution?

First of all, let’s start with the similarities. All breast implants have a silicone shell. Each type is also available in a wide variety of widths, volumes, and cup sizes. Regardless of the implant material you choose, they can all yield similar results.

So, choosing the breast implants that are right for you will be determined mostly by your personal preferences. Each type of implant can give you the positive results you are looking for. In most cases, it would be very difficult for the untrained eye to tell them apart and each option has different applications and considerations.

Here are the key differences between these types of implants:

SILICONE

Silicone breast implants are filled with a silicone gel. Silicone implants are widely considered to look more natural and feel more like real breasts than saline implants. They have been in use since the 1960s and have improved drastically over the years. Silicone implants provide many more options in terms of the overall feeling of the breast. They are available in different thicknesses, which allows for more variety in terms of look and feel in the final result. Silicone implants also tend to last longer than saline implants.

Go Gummy! We offer Gummy silicone gel in Natrelle INSPIRA® Breast Implants. This gummy-like gel sticks together and has the tendency to hold its shape. Each implant in the collection has a different level of cohesivity, or what surgeons may refer to as gumminess. Learn more about Natrelle breast implants.

SALINE

Saline breast implants are filled with salt water that has been sterilized. Saline implants are also a slightly less expensive option. Some saline implants may be temporarily coupled with a removable port. This port allows the amount of saline solution to be adjusted over time until optimal results have been achieved, at which point it is removed. However, because they are filled with water, saline implants may be more likely to cause rippling or wrinkling in the surrounding skin than other implant types.

BREAST IMPLANTS ARE SAFE
In the unlikely event that an implant were to rupture, both saline implants and silicone implants are non-toxic and can be safely absorbed by the body prior to being repaired or replaced.

DETERMINE WHICH TYPE OF IMPLANT IS RIGHT FOR YOU
To learn more about each of your breast implant options and determine which type is right for you, request a free consultation. We look forward to discussing your options with you!

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