Saline vs. Silicone Breast Implants

Breast augmentation is a very popular procedure among our patients. During breast augmentation surgery, breast implants are placed in order to increase a woman’s bust size, therefore creating a more pleasing proportion and contour to the body. Breast augmentation is a procedure that is highly customizable to meet the unique aesthetic goals of each patient. One of the most important decisions to be made regarding breast augmentation is which type of implant will be used. Cosmetic surgeon Hadi Michael Rassael offers his Washington DC patients breast implants filled with either saline or silicone gel. Dr. Rassael discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each type of breast implant so that patients can make an informed decision regarding which type of implant they would like to receive.

Saline Implants

Saline implants are filled with a sterile saline solution. These implants are actually inserted into the body while they are empty and then filled with the saline solution once they are in place. The main difference between saline implants and silicone implants is that, if a rupture occurs, the saline will be safely and naturally absorbed by the body and the rupture will be immediately noticeable. While the plastic shell of the implant will need to be removed, the process of dealing with a ruptured saline implant is actually quite simple.  Many patients feel that this is an advantage over the silicone implants. However, one disadvantage of saline implants is that most patients do not believe that saline implants look or feel as natural as silicone implants.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are pre-filled with a thick, gel-like substance that closely resembles body fat. Because of its consistency, many patients believe that silicone implants offer a more natural look and feel than saline implants. While silicone implants have been proven to be safe and do not pose any long-term health risks, many patients have concerns regarding a ruptured silicone implant. If a silicone implant ruptures, it may not be immediately obvious. The silicone gel is likely to mostly stay in place so it may not be clear that a rupture has occurred without an ultrasound. If a rupture does occur, the implant will need to be removed and the breast will need to be thoroughly cleaned to remove the silicone.

Making the Choice Between Silicone and Saline

In medical terms, there is no type of breast implant that is better than the other. Each type of implant is considered safe and the breast augmentation procedure carries similar risks whether silicone or saline implants are being used. The choice between silicone and saline implants really comes down to personal preference and is largely dependent on the look and feel that each patient wants for her breasts.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are unhappy with the size or shape of your breasts, breast augmentation surgery may be the best option for achieving the aesthetics you desire. To discuss the many ways in which breast augmentation can be customized to create your ideal look, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rassael at your earliest convenience. We look forward to meeting you!