Have you been unhappy with the shape of your breasts and decided it’s time for breast augmentation? You might be wondering whether silicone or saline breast implants are better for you. We’ll help you make an informed decision by outlining the pros and cons of each type of implant and providing some factors to consider when making your choice.
Silicone vs. Saline Implants: Exploring Your Options with Bruno | Brown Plastic Surgery
Before we dive deep into the comparison of saline versus silicone implants, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Brown, walks through your unanswered breast implant questions in the video below; check it out.
Make sure also to check out how to choose the best implant size for your shape.
What Are Silicone Implants?
Silicone implants are implants filled with silicone gel. These implants are offered to patients 22 years and older. The texture is more similar to your normal breast tissue, giving your breasts a perky and full shape.
What Are Saline Breast Implants?
Saline implants are implants filled with saline (sterile salt water). These implants are offered to patients over the age of 18 years old. They still provide a round and full shape but are less firm than silicone implants.
Pros and Cons of Silicone Implants:
Silicone breast implants are a popular choice among patients for several reasons, but they also come with some downsides. Here are the pros and cons of silicone implants:
The pros of silicone implants are:
- More cohesive or firm than saline
- Tend to look more natural
- Easier to pick out sizing
The cons of silicone implants are:
- If the implant ruptures, the gel may remain within the implant shell or escape into the breast implant pocket
- Frequent MRIs to monitor implant
To learn more about the pros and cons of silicone implants and whether they’re right for you, visit Bruno | Brown Plastic Surgery’s breast augmentation page.
Pros and Cons of Saline Implants:
Saline breast implants are a good option for patients who want a more adjustable implant, but they also have some downsides. Here are the pros and cons of saline implants:
The pros of saline implants are:
- Limited risk of rupture
- If implants rupture, the body absorbs the saline
- Provides a full and round shape
The cons of saline implants are:
- The implant may wrinkle, slosh, or ripple
- Common to get revision surgery after feeling the implant
To learn more about the pros and cons of saline implants and whether they’re right for you, visit Bruno | Brown Plastic Surgery’s breast augmentation page.
Choosing the Right Implant: Factors to Consider When Deciding between Silicone and Saline Implants
There is no right or wrong decision when deciding the best implant for you. It is a personal decision that depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between silicone and saline implants:
- The feel of the implant. If you struggle with texture or consistency, you might want silicone implants, which are firmer and feels more like your original breast tissue than the saline implant.
- The danger of implant rupture. There will be a risk of both implants rupturing. However, consider the saline implant if you are specifically afraid of implant rupture. The saline implant is safer and better for your body in the long run.
- Consider the size of your implant. For those who want larger implants, the silicone implant is often the choice as it has more sizes.