Silicone Vs Saline Breast Implants?

In my practice, which is virtually 100% breast surgery, I have found that there is no implant to be used in all women. There has to be a common sense approach to size AND filler material. Both implants are deemed safe, and in my practice, a more natural result is obtained with silicone implants. Having said this there, are thousands of women who have had augmentation with saline implants who are VERY satisfied. The decision is ultimately yours once you have been properly educated as to what... more

The decision between silicone gel implants and saline implants is a difficult one because there are so many variables to consider. You need to determine with priority of these variables. Some include risk of rupture, risk of capsular contracture or hardness, naturalness of feel, presence of ripples, risk of future surgeries, fear of unknown rupture. In general, if silicone implants didn't have a more natural feel to them, they would probably not be around. The naturalness of your breast... more

But - I prefer silicone over the muscle. I do not like textured, they don't move while the silicone feels more natural.  It is also more expensive than the saline.

 Over the years I have found that the best results with the most natural and long lasting results are with textured silicone gel breast implants under the breast when implants are placed in conjunction with a breast lift. While a little more expensive the results are much better in my hands. 

It usuallly takes me 45 minutes to go over the pluses and minuses of saline vs. silicone breast implants with patients. Briefly, silicone implants feel more realistic, have less rippling but there are lingering concerns about what happens if the silicone gel implants rupture, so the FDA requires monitoring by MRI after they are placed. This is not required with saline implants. Patients should read as much as they can on reputable websites, talk with their doctors, but ultimately, they... more

Silicone Gel implants will yield a more natural result in general. If you are older than 22 years old, silicone implants will be a valid option for you. Saline implants will still give you a good result, but there is increased risk of rippling, especially if you have little breast tissue.

The reason to shose one over the other should not be based on the ruture rate. Although not exactly the same they are close enough to make that a non-issue when it comes to picking the type. Your choice should be based on the look and feel and your comfort with having silicone or saline in your body.