Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures worldwide, and one of the most important decisions patients make is choosing the type of implant. Both saline and silicone implants can provide beautiful results, but each has its own set of advantages and considerations. Many patients value the customizability and natural feel of silicone implants, while for others, the safety from ruptures and affordability of saline implants are the higher priorities.
At Gabrielle B. Davis Plastic Surgery, Dr. Gabrielle B. Davis helps patients in Beverly Hills, CA, make informed choices that align with their goals, lifestyle, and anatomy.
What Are the Advantages of Using a Saline Breast Implant?
Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution after they are placed in the breast pocket. This design offers several unique benefits compared to silicone implants. Because saline implants are inserted as empty shells and then filled once inside the breast, they require smaller incisions than silicone implants, leaving less noticeable scars. Saline implants are also easier to monitor. If they rupture, the implant deflates quickly, and the body safely absorbs the saline, making detection straightforward.
Since the saline implant is not inflated until it’s in your body, it can allow surgeons to make minor adjustments to implant volume during surgery to fine-tune symmetry. However, saline implants may feel firmer or less natural to the touch compared to silicone implants, and rippling is more likely in women with thinner breast tissue.
What Are the Advantages of Using a Silicone Breast Implant?
Silicone implants are pre-filled with a cohesive gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Patients often choose silicone because the implants tend to look and feel softer and more natural as compared to saline. For patients with minimal natural breast tissue, silicone implants may provide smoother, more seamless results with less risk of rippling.
Unlike saline, silicone implants come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and profiles. Options such as teardrop-shaped implants can help patients achieve highly customized results. Silicone implants are also preferred by many patients seeking long-term, natural aesthetics, as they maintain their shape and texture more consistently over time. However, silicone implant ruptures may not be immediately apparent and are sometimes called “silent ruptures.” This is why regular imaging, such as MRI scans, may be recommended to monitor silicone implants.
How Do I Decide Which Breast Implant Is Best for Me?
Deciding between saline and silicone implants involves more than comparing lists of pros and cons. For many patients, the choice comes down to what they value most. If your priority is a natural look and feel, silicone implants often deliver the most realistic results. They are particularly well-suited for women with less natural breast tissue or those seeking subtle, seamless outcomes.
If peace of mind and easier rupture detection are more important to you, saline implants may be the right choice. Some women feel more comfortable knowing they can immediately detect if their implant has leaked, and they value the body’s ability to absorb the saline solution naturally. Cost is also a factor; saline implants are generally less expensive, which can be helpful for patients working with specific financial considerations.
Dr. Davis works closely with each patient during consultation, discussing lifestyle, anatomy, and aesthetic goals to guide them toward the option that best fits their vision. By weighing the benefits of each implant type, she ensures patients make confident, informed decisions that align with their unique priorities.
What Is the Procedure When Getting a Silicone or Saline Breast Implant?
The procedure for saline and silicone implants follows the same basic steps, but with some key differences. For both types, the surgery begins with general anesthesia for comfort. Dr. Davis makes an incision in a discreet location, such as the breast crease or around the areola, to minimize visible scarring.
With saline implants, the empty silicone shell is inserted first, and then it is filled with sterile saline solution once it is in place. This technique allows for smaller incisions and the ability to make slight adjustments to size during surgery. With silicone implants, the implant comes pre-filled and is inserted in its final form. This requires a slightly larger incision but provides a more natural feel right away.
In both cases, the implants can be placed either above or below the chest muscle, depending on the patient’s anatomy and desired results. Dr. Davis uses meticulous techniques to ensure symmetry, balance, and beautiful, natural-looking outcomes regardless of implant choice.
What Are the Risks Associated with Silicone and Saline Breast Implants?
Both saline and silicone implants carry potential risks. Rupture is one of the most common concerns, but how ruptures present differs. A saline implant rupture is easy to identify because the breast visibly deflates as the body absorbs the saline solution. With silicone implants, ruptures can be more subtle, requiring MRI or ultrasound to detect.
Other risks include capsular contracture (tightening of scar tissue around the implant), changes in nipple or breast sensation, infection, and implant shifting or asymmetry. While these risks are possible with either implant, silicone implants may be associated with slightly fewer cases of visible rippling compared to saline. Dr. Davis thoroughly explains these risks during consultations, ensuring every patient understands what to expect and how to maintain their implants over time.
How Long Will My Breast Implants Last?
Saline and silicone implants are not considered lifetime devices, but both can last well over a decade. On average, implants last approximately 10 to 15 years, although some patients enjoy their results for longer periods without complications. After your breast implant procedure, be sure to monitor the health of the device regularly.
Dr. Davis emphasizes the importance of regular follow-up visits and imaging when appropriate, particularly for silicone implants, to ensure ongoing safety and satisfaction.
What Happens if I Want to Switch from a Saline Implant to Silicone or Vice Versa?
It’s not uncommon for patients to change their implant type over time. A patient who initially chose saline implants may later prefer the natural feel of silicone. Others who started with silicone may choose saline for the peace of mind of easier rupture detection.
Breast revision surgery allows Dr. Davis to remove existing implants and replace them with a different type that better suits a patient’s current lifestyle and aesthetic goals. At times, a revision may be combined with additional procedures such as a breast lift to enhance results.
Why Choose Dr. Davis for My Breast Implant Surgery?
Dr. Gabrielle B. Davis is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training in all forms of surgery, including breast augmentations. She specializes in breast procedures, offering patients expertise, precision, and an artistic eye for natural results. Patients choose Dr. Davis for her compassionate care, commitment to safety, and ability to deliver results that enhance both appearance and confidence. From the initial consultation to post-surgery follow-up, Dr. Davis guides her patients every step of the way, ensuring they feel informed, supported, and delighted with their transformation. Contact us today to start exploring which implant option works best for you.