Breast Implants: Q&A

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Saline VS Silicone - Which One is Weaker/stronger and Which Will Last Longer?

I am very comfortable getting saline implants because both my mother and sister have been successful with theirs... however a nurse at a clinic was very down on saline and said they tear easier than silicone? This worries me because I want them to last the rest of my life (I am 36 years old) with out any worries. My husband also wonders if he may be able to handle them as firmly as he is normally used to, and does not want to damage or tear them. Thank you for your replies!

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by Mountain Girl At Heart

Doctor Answers (9)
Community Comments (0)

Saline and Silicone implants have similar longevities

Don't make your decision about silicone vs saline based on how long they last. They have the same shell and therefore should have similar longevities. There are other much more important differences to weigh your decision making on. Implants and their shells are constantly being improved, therefore past experience may not translate into future expectations and longevity.

Randy Proffitt, MD

3 reviews

Mobile Plastic Surgeon

Implants

Saline and silicone are both very good implants to select. They last about the same time. However, I caution you that the statistics suggest that patients on average have at least 2 operations in their lifetime regarding breast implants, so do not assume they will last forever.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Implant durability

Dear Mountain Girl, It is true that saline implants are more prone to failure, but this has little to due with squezing them! Saline implants eventually fail not because of rough handling but because of fold failure and/or valve failure. Folding of the shell of a saline implant is more severe than in silicone gel implants because the saline doesn't offer much support to the shell the way that gel does. This constant folding over time causes stress... more

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Breast Implants Are Not Permanent or Life-Long Devices

There are some material and feel differences between saline vs silicone gel breast implants but neither one is necessarily superior over the other. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages and understanding these subtle differences is important in your selection process. Neither type of breast implant is better, safer or will necessarily last longer. They both are resistant to the normal handling forces of everyday life. This being said, it is critical to understand that at age 36... more

All implants will age and can rupture at some point in your life.

While it is true that both silicone and saline implants are very durable, many patients will need to have them replaced at some point in their lifetime. Saline implants do have a slightly higher rupture rate than silicone, but silicone ruptures are more difficult to detect. I think both implants can provide beautiful results. However, I think there are often differences in the appearance of Saline vs. Silicone implants. In general, silicone implants feel softer, and more natural. There... more

Neither Saline nor Silicone Implants Likely to Last Lifetime

I agree with Dr. Placik that you should not expect any implant to last throughout your lifetime. Studies are currently underway (since silicone implants were reintroduced for augmentations) to determine the average life expectancy of both types of implants. Your choice should be made on other grounds (natural feel, rippling, Cost, etc.).

Which Breast implants Leak more frequently Smooth Saline VS Smooth Siliconer gel Implants

Regarding: "Saline VS Silicone - Which One is Weaker/stronger and Which Will Last Longer? I am very comfortable getting saline implants because both my mother and sister have been successful with theirs... however a nurse at a clinic was very down on saline and said they tear easier than silicone? This worries me because I want them to last the rest of my life (I am 36 years old) with out any worries. My husband also wonders if he may be able to handle them as firmly as he is normally more

Peter A. Aldea, MD

35 reviews

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Saline versus silicone implants

There are advantages and disadvantages to saline and silicone implants, and as long as you understand the pros and cons of each I think you'll be fine with whichever you choose to have. One thing to remember however is that all implants are devices, which means that over time they may require removal and replacement for issues such as leak, rupture or capsular contracture. While there are lots of women who only have one augmentation procedure and never require another one... more

Silicone and saline implants and rupture.

DO NOT GET IMPLANTS expectiin them to last forever. That is NOT a realistic expectation and you will surely be disappointed. While it is true that saline implants may have a higher rupture rate when compared to current silicone implants according to publsihed data, the uissues surrounding diagnosing and treating a ruptured silicone implant are far more complex.

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.