Breast Implants Q&A
80%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
1,008 Reviews
Breast Implantsbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Breast Implants Cost: $6,000

Learn about Breast Implants

4,893 people and 830 doctors are talking about Breast Implants

Get Free Email Updates

Silicone Breast Implants Vs. Saline - How to Choose?

asked 4 years ago by anon
Latest answer by William Loutfy, MD
Question viewed 32,648 times
Tags: saline implants, silicone implant, comparison, Mentor, Natrelle

Which are better, silicone breast implants or saline breast implants?

50 answers to Silicone Breast Implants Vs. Saline - How to Choose?

+15

Saline Breast Implants : The Basics

Saline implants: the basics Both Silicone and Saline Implants can look and feel natural.  In the time since the moratorium was lifted, gel implants have gone from being used in my practice on rare occasion to being used in almost all the breast augmentations I perform. Patient satisfaction has been excellent and I have been very pleased with the performance of the new ‘cohesive’ gel material. However, most of my patients with saline implants, before silicone implants... more
Michael Law, MD

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

+6

Silicone or Saline Implants

Both are excellent implants. Silicone implants are a gel, so the feel softer. If softness is a priority, or if you were very thin, most are guided toward silicone. Saline is also a good choice. They are a little firmer, they are also less expensive. Best to see a few board certified plastic surgeons. Take photos with you and please have reasonable expectations. Together you will make an appropriate choice for you.
Jeffrey Roth, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+6

In any market in the world, Silicone beats Saline EVERY TIME!

Just look at the sales figures for SALINE implants vs SILICONE IMPLANTS anywhere in the world where both implant types are legally present for sale.  Silicone out sells Saline implants EVERY TIME.  That means, in mature markets, WOMEN DECIDE TO BUY SILICONE MORE OFTEN.  You can make up your own mind why that might be, but it suggests to me that Silicone implants out sell Saline implants because they are more desirable.  In my 20 plus years of experience,  I was... more
Claudio DeLorenzi, MD

Toronto Plastic Surgeon
+6

Saline or silicone breast implants

There are pros and cons to each type of implant. Saline implants usually have more rippling, stretch the tissues more, are heavier and feel firmer. Advantages-very simple to replace if they leak. Silicone implants have less rippling, are lighter, feel very natural, and stretch tissues less. Silicone implants require more surgery to remove if they are leaking. In addition, the FDA recommends periodic MRI exams to determine if the implants are leaking; this may or may not be covered by... more
Tracy Pfeifer, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

drpfeifer.com

+6

"Risk" versus "Feel" for the most part

Hello, Silicone gel implants are filled with a "jelly like" silicone substance to which the body reacts more over time. They come filled at one size and are not adjustable in the operating room. Saline implants are more adjustable and this allows better sizing during surgery. Long term capsules (scar formation with hardening) is more commonly a problem with silicone gel implants. The FDA recommendations are that patients with silicone gel implants have breast MRIs every two years... more
John P. Di Saia, MD

Orange Plastic Surgeon
+6

Silicone and saline implants are both safe for human use...

Silicone and saline implants are both safe for human use and will achieve your desired results of fuller, more shapely or more symmetric breasts. The FDA requires that patients be at least 22 years old to have silicone implants, but overall it is ultimately your choice. Saline implants are great for patients who have slight asymmetry in their breasts because it can be corrected with different amounts of saline solution being injected into the implants. Silicone implants have a closer... more
Jennifer Walden, MD

Austin Plastic Surgeon
+5

The better breast implant

If there was truely one implant that is better than the other...there would be only one implant available .  Each implant has its pro's and con's that you must accept.  Silicone feels and looks more natural and ripples less.  Saline feels and looks a little less natural and ripples more. The incision is smaller with saline and bigger with silicone. If the saline implant ruptures you know because your breast becomes smaller, if silicone ruptures it is called 'silent' bec more
Arthur Cambeiro, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+5

Patients must educate themselves in the pros and cons of each implant and then decide which they prefer.

I find that many individuals considering breast augmentation are in the dark about which implant to choose between saline and gel. Most of their uncertainty stems from a lack of knowledge about either implant. I try to give them a list of the pros and cons of each implant. It is then up to each individual to decide between the two. In my experience there is very little difference in appearance between the two. If you placed a gel implant in one breast and a saline in the other it would be... more
David A. Ross, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+5

A difficult choice between silicone and saline implants

The first thing most people don't realize is that both implants have a silicone outer layer. The difference then is what the implant is filled with. Typically saline implants are about 1000 dollars less then silicone. In my office, I have every breast augmentation patient pick up both implants (even if they have pre-selected one type) so they can feel the difference. Often patients have an instinctual or "gut" reaction to one or the other, and then further discussion and a pro and... more
Pramit Malhotra, MD

Ann Arbor Plastic Surgeon
+4

Silicone Gel Breast Implants Vs. Saline Implants-How to Choose

Most women in my Plastic Surgery practice today are choosing the new Silicone Gel Breast Implants. The most common reasons women choose Silicone Gel Breast Implants are: Natural Feel Less risk of Implant Folds or Ripples No risk of deflation Saline Breast Implants are also excellent and can give an equally nice result. Risk of deflation and visible folds or ripples are drawbacks. Women choose them because They fear Silicone Want a "natural... more
Brooke R. Seckel, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon

www.drseckel.com

+4

Which breast implants to choose?

Talk to your doctor. Sometimes, the patient can choose (they will have the same beautiful result with either type of implant) and sometimes the patient HAS to have silicone gel breast implants to get a nice result. Usually, the patients' who NEED to get silicone gel breast implants are the patients who have very little body fat / very little breast tissue to cover the implants. Silicone gel breast implants are softer so if the patient doesnt have the breast tissue to cover the implants, it... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+3

Saline vs. Silicone breast implants

Both saline and silicone implants will give you a beautiful, natural result.  Silicone implants feel softer and more natural like normal breast tissue.  Saline implants tend to be more firm and ripple more than silicone.  However, if you have a decent amount of natural breast tissue like a B or C cup, the difference between saline and silicone will be much less obvious.  If you are very thin and have no breast tissue, silicone implants will look and feel more natural... more
Stanley Castor, MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon

www.DrCastor.com

+3

Choosing a silicone or saline implant

The safety issue of Silicone has been put to rest.  If you are satisfied with all the studies that have shown that silicone does not cause any illnesses, then your choice becomes what you like better. You should hold a saline and silicone implant and see which one feels better. You should understand that saline implants ripple a lot more than silicone however if you are not very skinny and if your implants are placed under the muscle, the difference in rippling is less... more
Martin Jugenburg, MD

Toronto Plastic Surgeon

www.torontosurgery.ca

+3

Silicone versus saline breast implants

Both are fantastic options in the right patient! Every patient is an individual and brings individual anatomy and desires to the consultation. The previous threads have provided great information, but I really think it is MOST important to discuss ALL of your options with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. He/she will be able to examine you, perform specific measurements and discuss your needs, concerns and wants. This FACE TO FACE information is invaluable...see as many surgeons as you... more
John Philip Connors III, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+3

Common question - silicone vs. saline

This is a question I review in every breast augmentation consultation. First, Saline and Silicone gel implants are both great options. They are both FDA approved and safe. Both are safe medical devices, but of course, no medical devices last forever. In terms of the quality of your results... in skilled hands, patients get excellent results with both saline and silicone gel implants. To achieve a soft natural result, the key is to camouflage the implant. If there is a lot of breast... more
C. Bob Basu, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.basuplasticsurgery.com

+3

Depends on your build

Advantages of saline Less expensive (about $1000 less) Adjustability Shorter scar (my scar is 1" long) No silent ruptures - if they deflate/ rupture, there is no guessing or worrying More volume choices - based on the patients optimal implant diameter and choice of implant size Can be used in women under 22 years of age Advantages of silicone More natual feeling Less risk of rippling Generally silicone implants are ideal for the very thin patient with small breasts. In the larger... more
York Jay Yates, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+3

Silicone vs Saline

There are definitely differences. The bottom line is if you want a better feel, Silicone gel implants are the choice. If you are concerned about cost, then Saline implants are the choice. Here are some more details. Incision - Saline is less than silicone (1.5in vs 2in) - silicone implants are prefilled and therefore require a larger incision for placement, saline implants are placed empty and then filled so a smaller incision can be used. Rippling - Saline has more rippling than silicone -... more
Bahram Ghaderi, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+3

Saline versus Silicone Implants

SALINE SILICONE Adjustable volume Fixed volume Absorbed if ruptured Not absorbed (silent rupture) Rupture is obvious Rupture may require MRI MRI advised at 3 yrs & every 2yrs FDA approved use over 18 FDA approved use over 22 Less expensive More expensive ~ 3 cm incision ~ 5 cm incision More dense more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+3

First of all, you need to meet with highly qualified...

First of all, you need to meet with highly qualified American Board of Plastic Surgery certified surgeons. They will help you understand the differences between saline and silicone implants so you can feel comfortable with your choice. The implants share the same silicone outer shell and are just filled with a different material. In your hands, they will feel dramatically different and you will probably like the feel of the gel better. Once in the body, however, unless you are very thin... more
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+3

One consideration is choice of scar. I do a lot of...

One consideration is choice of scar. I do a lot of transumbilical breast augmentation where the implants are inserted through the belly button, the only scar you are born with, so there are no new scars and certainly nothing visible. Only saline implants can be placed using this approach, however. Silicone implants must be inserted making an incision under the breast, around the nipple, or in the armpit.
Edmond A. Zingaro, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+2

Saline or Silicone Implants?

Just to echo Dr DeLorenzi's comments,  I work in the UK and we have always been allowed to use silicone implants.  As a result, we very rarely use saline implants.
Jonathan J Staiano, MBBS

Birmingham Plastic Surgeon
+2

Pros and cons of saline and silicone gel implants

There is no perfect implant. If there were, we wouldn't be debating saline vs. silicone gel. Silicone gel implants are usually better cosmetically in women with minimal breast tissue and minimal subcutaneous fat (i.e. if your ribs are all visible, you may want to consider silicone.) Silicone has the advantages of more natural feel and reduced rippling relative to saline. They also appear, on average, to last longer. Saline has the advantage of a lower price (at least $1000... more
Ronald Friedman, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+2

Saline versus silicone implants

Neither implant is "better" than the other, only different. To start, both implants consist of the same outer shell. This shell is made of a silicone polymer to make it flexible. The difference begins with what they are filled with, and how much they are filled. To make it easier to understand, here are the advantages and disadvantages of silicone implants and saline implants: Silicone gel implant Advantages: More natural "feel" Lighter than saline on a... more
David Bogue, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

+2

Selecting silicone or saline depends on preference

Both silicone and saline implants are approved for use for cosmetic procedures by the FDA. When it comes to selecting an implant, it is up to preference. Many patients find silicone implants to look and feel more natural than a saline implant. However, if performed by a qualified plastic surgeon both types of implants can have a natural looking result. Saline implants can show rippling if not placed under the muscle, but most surgeons including myself place the implant under the muscle for... more
Tarick K. Smaili, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+2

Saline vs Silicone "We use both"

Both Saline and Silicone are used in our facility. In consultation both types of implants are discussed in detail. We also discuss sizing ,recovery and show before and after photos. Implant sizers are also available for the clients to try on during consultation. Our goal is to make sure that we have addressed all issues regarding breast augmentation surgery. See our website for special pricing on breast augmentation thru April 2010.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+2

Silicone vs saline Breast implants- How to choose

Silicone- Pro- Feel more natural, less likely to show wrinkling Con- need slightly larger incision. More expensive. Saline- Pro- Cheaper, more choice of access incisions(Trans umbilical, trans axillary) Con- can deflate, feels less natural. Short answer- If it was my daughter or wife, I'd go with silicon. Check out the link below for a video on implant placement, and a more detailed discussion on saline vs silicon see video
Ricardo Rodriguez, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+2

Are Silicone or Saline implants better for me?

Hi there- Hopefully you are already aware that there is no reason to be concerned about the safety of either type of implant. The differences that are true are related to the costs, your follow up requirements, and the cosmetic outcome. Generally speaking, silicone implants will give you a more natural appearance and feel to the breasts than a saline implant will, although these benefits are less significant the more of your own breast tissue you have to camouflage the imperfections of a... more
Armando Soto, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.DrArmandoSoto.com

+2

Two factors to consider when choosing between silicone and saline implants

Most surgeons would agree that silicone implants look and feel more natural than saline. Having said that, I tell my patients that in order to get silcone implants you have to be comfortable with two things: 1. Safety - Although the FDA withdrew its approval for silicone implants for cosmetic purposes in the early 90's, three years ago its was re-instated. There was never any real scientific evidence that silicone implants were harmful, but you have to be comfortable with this fact. 2.... more
Jeffrey Horowitz, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+2

Saline vs silicone breast implants

You have to discuss the pros and cons of each of these implants with your PS. You decide depending on your level of comfort not the PS level of comfort. See several Board Certified PS then decide.
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+2

Silicone or Saline Breast Implants?

It really depends on how large your breasts are to begin with. If your breast is larger than a B cup and you don't desire to be very big, you will do just fine with saline. The gel implant offers an aesthetic advantage as far as the feel of the breast when the breasts are very small before augmentation and in Breast reconstruction after Mastectomy. There are differences in complication rates between the two implants that need to be well understood.
Farhad Rafizadeh, MD

Morristown Plastic Surgeon
+2

Silicone breast implants feel more natural.

Hi. 1) In New York City, we use silicone breast implants 90% of the time. They tend to look and feel more natural, and they are safe. 2) But you should not put anything in your body that is going to make you worry. We have hundreds of patients with saline implants who are perfectly happy. 3) Outside of the US, saline implants are hardly used.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

Silicone versus saline implants

The choice between silicone versus saline is a personal one. I think that silicone in the majority of patients is a more natural feel than saline. I think an implant rupture is harder to detect in a patient with silicone implants. Saline will just get absorbed and the breast will shrink.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

Saline vs. Silicone Implants

Historically, several different materials have been used for breast implants. The most significant of these have been the saline breast implant and the silicone gel breast implant. There are advantages to each type of breast implant. Saline breast implants have a silicone shell and are filled with the same type of saline fluid that is used many times in intravenous fluid- the saline is completely compatible with your body, and in fact, the water, sodium, and chloride (water and salt) that... more
Adam David Lowenstein, MD

Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon
+2

Silicone or Saline Breast Implants

They are both very good implants. Silicone does feel more natural. That is the only true benefit. Saline and silicone both have good warranties. If someone is thin and you can see several of their ribs there is a good chance they are at risk of rippling and being able to appreciate the implants and in that situation, silicone would be the better choice. If tissue thickness is normal then the choice is up to the patient. Silicone implants do cost more and require more test to check for... more
William J. Hedden, MD

Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

www.heddenmd.com

+2

Silicone vs Saline breast implants

Silicone implants do feel more natural than saline implants. However, in my experience, if the patient has adequate breast and soft tissue, the difference is there but minimal. If the patient has very thin skin, then the advantage of silicone is obvious. Silicone implants also have a better replacement warranty than saline implants. Both Mentor and Inamed (the only FDA approved companies in the U.S.) will pay towards your surgery to replace an implant which has leaked. The companies... more
Michael A. Jazayeri, MD

Santa Ana Plastic Surgeon
+2

Saline or Silicone breast implants?

Which implants are better? Saline or silicone? If you ask a Plastic Surgeon from Europe or South America (where there was never a silicone ban), the easy answer is silicone. If you ask an American surgeon, you might not get the same response. Before deciding how to proceed, consider the following pro's and con's of these implants: SALINE: Pro's slightly smaller incision deflations easier to detect less expensive Con's much... more
Gregory A. Buford, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon
+2

Pros and cons of Saline vs Silicone Implants

Please consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and don't just depend on our observations because your correct choice of an implant is probably one of the most important decisions you will make. That being said, here goes: Pros: Saline: a) small incision for placement; b) ability to make small adjustments, intraoperatively; c) unequivocal detection of implant failure ("flat tire"); d) firm feel; e) cost of implants (roughly 50% of silicone gel); f) greater perkiness... more
Lavinia Chong, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+2

Implant choices, Silicone or Saline

It is true that silicone gel implants feel better than saline implants. Does that mean everyone should get gel implants? The answer is no. The choice should be individualized considering risks and benefits for each person. A saline implant is more obvious to touch under a thin cover. Under a thick cover, difference between gel and saline becomes less. However, if a saline implant leaks, detection is very easy and does not require any special tests. Replacement operation is simple. Only the... more
Seung K. Kim, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+2

Silicone breast implants or saline breast implants

This is THE MOST commonly asked question in Breast Augmentation. The answer is, IT DEPENDS. Both types of implants are made of a silicone shell; The silicone gel implants come pre-filled; the Saline implants are empty and have a fill valve at the top through which the saline will be placed ones the implant is in its position. No breast implant is perfect -- they will all suffer shell fatigue and DEFLATE / LEAK one day (from the day after surgery to as long as 30 years after surgery). But... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+2

Silicone implants versus saline implants

It's hard to answer the question about which is better - both silicone and saline implants have their pros and cons. Some good things about silicone breast implants; breast implants filled with silicone gel look and feel more like natural breast tissue. Also, particularly in thin patients, silicone breast implants tend to have fewer problems with visible rippling than saline breast implants. Some bad things about silicone breast implants; breast implants filled with silicone are more... more
Sam Jejurikar, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+2

Silicone vs Saline

Both are safe. Both are approved. Silicon may feel a bit better and require a bigger incision and are associated with a higher cost. Some patients do not want silicone in their body, but remember, the shell of all implants are silicone based.
Barry E. DiBernardo, MD

Montclair Plastic Surgeon

www.newjerseyplasticsurgery.com

+2

Many women can achieve a beautiful result with both saline and silicone implants

Many women can achieve a beautiful result with both saline and silicone implants.  However, the feel of one's breasts will be more natural feeling with silicone implants in most women, especially those women who have a looser skin envelope such as after nursing or weight loss.
Sanjay Grover MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+2

Silicone Gel or Saline Breast Implant?

This is one of the most common issues I discuss with patients at consultation. I always offer both types of implants, but most of my patients these days are selecting the silicone gel implants, and we have been very happy with the results. I think the main reason patients like the silicone gel is because of the natural look and feel of the implants. Saline implants can tend to feel "stiffer" or more like "plastic," and they can tend to have visible or palpable rippling... more
Joseph L. Grzeskiewicz, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+2

Depends on your body and your budget

There are advantages and disadvantages of both silicone gel and saline implants. The main advantages of saline implants is that they cost less and can be placed through a somewhat shorter in decision than silicone gel implants. Another advantage of saline implants is that they do offer a greater range of sizes and fill volumes and an element of adjustability both during surgery and after surgery, should you select the Mentor spectrum implant. This can be helpful if you have a difference... more
Ralph R. Garramone, MD

Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone vs Saline

The choice is yours. You should feel comfortable with your implant selection as well as with the surgeon you select to perform the procedure. However silicone gel implants feel more like natural breast tissue than saline. This is even more significant in a thin patient with limited breast tissue.
William Loutfy, MD

Albuquerque Plastic Surgeon

acfps.com

+1

Saline vs. gel

Both are excellent choices and alot depends on lifestyle, life stage, and individual preference. Many women prefer the feel of gel as they believe that they feel more natural. Saline is advisable for slight asymmetry as different levels of saline solution. Both implants are considered safe.
Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS

West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Saline vs Silicone

Hello. There is no right answer for this question. Both products are safe and approved by the FDA. I recommend you do your research, read about each porduct , take a look at some before andafter pictures and find a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast augmentation. Best of luck to you!
Jaime Perez MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon

www.jaimeperezmd.com

+1

Silicone results in superior aesthetic outcomes compared to saline

I would strongly recommend staying away from saline implants. They will never look or feel as natural as silicone implants. The only advantages of saline is that they can be placed through a marginally smaller incision and they are cheaper saving you $1,000-1,500 on your augmentation. Neither reason is a good one in my opinion to sacrifice result. Saline implants 'ripple' and because of the obligatory overfilling, they are always firm and round in shape. ... more
Rian Maercks, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Difference between silicone and saline implants [With Video]

Saline and Silicone implants can both give a very nice looking breast as an end-result, but there are a few fundamental differences between them that are worth pointing out. Silicone (The gel implants) tend to have a much softer feel to them, thus they tend to feel a bit more normal, and they tend to move around a bit easier. They're also much less likely to form ripples, especially in patients that have thinner tissue. One downside to Silicone implants is the fact that on average... more
Michael L. Workman, MD

Portland Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone vs. saline implants

As a general rule, many of us are beginning to think that silicone may have some positive advantages over saline implants. Unfortunately, we've only been able to evaluate silicone in the US for approximately 2.5 years, so the jury is still out regarding long-term follow-up on silicone in the states. However, if you look around the world, silicone is used more frequently than saline with what appear to be good results. There are some positives for each implant type that would be best... more
Deason Dunagan, MD

Huntsville Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question