Saline vs. Silicone Breast Implants

Posted in Breast Implants

Choosing between saline and silicone implants can be a challenging decision for many women interested in enhancing the size and/or shape of their breasts. While both types of implants can successfully achieve natural-looking results for the right patients, each has its distinct advantages and disadvantages in comparison to one another. If you are interested in breast augmentation, the following information can help you better understand the differences between saline and silicone implants.

FDA-approved for patients 18 and older, saline breast implants are made of an outer silicone shell that encases a saline (saltwater) solution. They are available in numerous shapes and sizes, and they have helped many women enhance the volume and appearance of their breasts for decades, especially when silicone implants were not an option. A key advantage of saline implants is that, in the event a leak and/or rupture occurs, the issue can typically be detected immediately, and the saline solution will harmlessly exit the body via natural processes.

Silicone breast implants are approved by the FDA for individuals 22 and over, as well as for breast reconstruction patients of any age. Composed of an outer silicone shell enclosing a thick silicone gel, this implant type is widely considered to both look and feel very similar to natural breast tissue. Additionally, they can be particularly beneficial for women who have a very thin physique, and they are generally less prone to rippling than their saline counterparts. Thanks to advances in the field of aesthetic surgery, silicone implants now come in several different varieties, one of which is the cohesive gel (gummy bear) option. Having participated in the FDA’s clinical trials for cohesive gel implants, I can attest to the superior aesthetics and variety of benefits these implants have to offer, some of which include a reduced risk of rippling, capsular contracture, leakage, and various other concerns that can compromise the appearance and integrity of implants.

Ultimately, every patient is unique, and the best type of implants will depend on the individual’s specific needs, desires, and overall goals. For more information about implant options, I encourage you to browse the breast implant pages located on my website and/or contact my office today to schedule a consultation.

– Dr. Dan Mills, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

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