Types Of Breast Implants: Saline Versus Silicone

Choosing the size of your breast implant probably is the most important decision you’ll make regarding your breast augmentation.

Another important choice you will need to make prior to starting your breast augmentation procedure is whether you will choose implants of silicone or saline.

Both types have their advantages and disadvantages, and you and Dr. Smith will discuss the pros and cons of each at length before you make your decision.

Which Is Safer, Saline Or Silicone?

Both are safe and approved by the FDA. In fact, the FDA has deemed both safe for cosmetic and for reconstructive surgery. Thousands of women each year receive either saline or silicone implants safely and are very happy with their results.*

Why Choose Saline Implants?

• There are two main reasons why you might choose saline implants:
• Saline implants require smaller incisions. Dr. Smith inserts an empty saline implant into your breast and fills it with saline during the surgery. Silicone implants, on the other hand are inserted prefilled and at their full size, so the incision needed for a silicone implant is larger than one for a saline implant. Rest assured, however, that the incisions for both implant types often are small enough that they should be well hidden under the smallest of bras or bathing suits.*
• Saline implants also may be a better choice if you have uneven breasts. Most women have one breast that is slightly larger than the other and if you’ve decided that you want the smaller breast to better match the larger one, saline may be better because the saline implant allows Dr. Smith to fill the smaller implant to match the size of your other breast.*

Why Choose Silicone Implants?

• There are four main reasons why women choose silicone implants:
• Silicone feels more natural and comes very close to the feel of your natural breast. It also tends to look more natural, especially when leaning forward.*
• Silicone tends to look more natural, especially when moving. This more natural look and feel is the main reason women choose silicone over saline.*
• Silicone implants also are less likely to ripple. Their gel-like consistency usually means you’re less likely to see a distortion or rippling than you would with a saline implant. (However, if you decide to go with saline implants, a board-certified and expert plastic surgeon such as Dr. Smith has the experience and skills to minimize the chances of this happening.)*
• Silicone implants last longer than saline implants. In fact, silicone implants now carry a “lifetime” warranty.*

Replacing Your Implants

You may have heard that you will need to replace your breast implants about every 10 years or so. This is not true.

You will only need to replace your implants if they crack or rupture – a rare occurrence! – and both silicone and saline implants should last much longer than a decade.*

Not to worry if you have saline implants and one or both rupture: you’re not in danger (remember saline is a fluid that mimics much of your natural bodily fluids). Your body will simply absorb the fluid and your breast(s) will become smaller, so you’ll want to have a replacement surgery to have bigger, fuller breasts again.*

Should your silicone implant crack (silicone implants don’t rupture), you shouldn’t be in any danger, but Dr. Smith does recommend that you have the implant replaced.

Cost Differences Between Saline And Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone implants cost more than saline breast implants because of their softer appearance, pre-filled material, and lifetime warranty.

Risk Of Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is one of the safest surgeries that Dr. Smith performs. Dr. Smith and his staff will discuss the risks of breast augmentation surgery at your consultation where you are encouraged to ask questions.

Which Type Is Best For You?

Both and saline and silicone breast implants are extremely safe and reliable. Both types last for many years, if not decades. Dr. Smith tends to recommend silicone implants because of their more natural look and feel.*

You and Dr. Smith will discuss both types at length, including potential appearance issues, cost, and any and all safety concerns you may have about either one.

No matter whether you choose saline or silicone breast implants, Dr. Smith and his team will support your choice and will strive to make sure you are thrilled with your breast augmentation results.

Appointments can be made by calling (702) 838-2455. For patients who live a long distance from Las Vegas, online consultations are available.