Do You Have More Women Come Back with Problems from Saline or Silicone? (photo)

This may not be accurate to ask since almost ALL women had saline 10 years ago, so of course the women coming back are going to most likely have issues with saline, not silicone since they were not available. I am trying to make an educated decision regarding what implant to get and every study says something different and I do not know who to trust. Please give me honest opinions, based on patient satisfaction and long term results.

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12 Doctor Answers | Asked by karen1978

Doctor Answers (12)
Community Comments (1)

Which type of implant saline or silicone?

Hi Karen. Instead of discussing whether saline or silicone implants are better generically, lets discuss which implant is best in a woman with your breast condition. I recommend you to the FDA publications for statistics about saline and silicone implants. You need a full mastopexy with or without implants. One of the things that I have not seen documented in studies, but has been my observation, is that saline implants will thin the breast tissue out over time more than silicone... more

Are There More Problems with Saline or Silicone Gel Breast Implants?

Thank you for your question. First, you will need a Breast Lift in addition to a Breast Implant. Choose the type of implant you are comfortable with. Modern cohesive Gel Breast Implants have not, in my experience, had more problems than Saline. Long term, deflation and rippling can occur with Saline. See link below:

Saline vs silicone implants

I think that in general, the saline and silicone implants are both safe, and they both have similar complication rates. It is really your choice which implant to go with.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Implants

Both saline and silicone implants are safe and the decision is purely a personal one. The manufacturers would like you to believe that the silicone implants are far superior but they really are not.

Saline or Silicone breast implants ?

This is maybe another take on your question: Before 1991 about 70 % of the implants placed in the USA were Silicone implants, then all Saline implants and now since 2006 the rate approaches again 60 - 70 % of the implants used being Silicone. Another observation: Most women who had both type of implants prefer Silicone implants. Find out in a consultation what implant is the best for your looks, confidence in the implant and the surgeon placing them. more

Do You Have More Women Come Back with Problems from Saline or Silicone? (photo)

Thanks for the question. Most boarded PSs offer either saline and or silicone choices. The choice is dependent on many factors. Some financial, others preference oriented, while others medically determined. Without in person examinations and discussions with the patient, it is very hard to recommend what to chose on such little data about yourself. Seek a few in person evaluations.

Saline vs. Silicone - the debate continues, but I've made up my mind

There are a variety of reasons why an individual patient may choose a saline vs. silicone implant. I think the overriding concern - at least for me - is implant durability. Its pretty clear that our current generation of cohesive silicone implants are more durable and robust medical devices compared to their saline counterparts. They also fell more 'breast like' than saline implants. Based on your photos, I would recommend a vertical breast lift with a silicone implant of a size to... more

Which is better saline or silicone #breastimplants?

There is no question that silicone implants give a better cosmetic result. However, most of the information indicates that they are both safe and a reasonable choice. That being said, over the muscle saline implants are likely to be the worst combination and a silicone under the muscle likely the best. For you, I assume you are considering a lift in combination with your proposed plan as you will likely not have a favorable aesthetics outcome without a full lift. You should see a board... more

Less Worry with Saline, Less Rippling With Silicone

I have this discussion so frequently, and I just let the patient decide based on the information. The shells of the implants are similar, and rupture rates are likely similar. Detection of a saline rupture is usually easy, as it deflates and the water is absorbed. Detection of a silicone rupture can be difficult and may require an MRI, a cost not covered by insurance. Over time, rippling due to tissue thinning may be an issue and... more

Problems from Saline or Silicone

Some of the problems should be little different, including infection capsular contracture, asymmetry. Leak rates are still felt to be about the same, though silicone leaks may be "silent" and may seem less common. Dissatisfaction seems a bit higher with saline due to problems of unnatural feel and rippling, both of which are more common with saline. The national trend is for more usage of silicone. I use saline in patients under 22 and for the occasional patient that insists on... more

Choice between saline and silicone

First, you are correct that patients from 1993 - 2006 only could get saline so that limits those problems to saline. Second, both types of implants can have similar problems such as malposition, infection, rippling, capsular contracture, etc. It would depend on the individual surgeons practice and the % of saline vs silicone implants that are put in. My practice is nearly all silicone implants and problems are very low. Either type of implant would work well if the... more