When Getting a Breast Lift, Should You Use Saline or Silicone if You Are Desiring a Natural Look?

I was told I need a lollipop lift and I am interested in getting an implant to replace volume--nothing too big. I want a natural look. Should I go for a saline or silicone implant? Does it matter? I understand the silicone implant requires a larger scar, which I am trying to avoid unnecessary scarring. Thank you!

Tags:

Comment on this

11 Doctor Answers | Asked by ckperks

Doctor Answers (11)
Community Comments (0)

Choice of implant material.

The choice of implant type (silicone vs. saline) for the appearance of the breast is usually irrelevant unless the overlying soft tissue is very thin. Both adequately add volume to the breast. As for feel, when the implant is large in comparison the breast silicone has a much more natural feel. For smaller implants in a larger breast, saline implants work fine as they are usually not palpable.

David Bogue, MD

6 reviews

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

Implant type doesn't really matter when it comes to appearances

For most patients undergoing an augmentation mastopexy, implant type doesn't really matter all that much when it comes to the appearance. Certainly, silicone gel implants feel more natural, often have less rippling and wrinkling. Scars are are identical regardless of implant type when it comes to breast lifts.

Saline vs Silicone and a Lift

If you need a breast lift and will use an implant as well, either implant choice may work, depending on your breast tissue. If you have thin skin pinch thickness and want the most natural feeling breasts, a silicone implant may be the best option since these will reduce the incidence of rippling and palpability of the implant. The benefits of saline in a woman with thick skin pinch thickness are that you can adjust the volume between the breast if there is preoperative asymmetry... more

Breast lift and implants

Silicone and saline implants are both safe to use. It is really a personal choice that you can discuss with your surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Salin or silicone for natural breast lift/augmentaion?

Hi, We all are in constant pursuit of perfection. Because of that, I never do a lift and augmentation together. Each operation interfers with the good healing of the other. You can have either the lift ($2800-$5560) first or the augmentaion ($4400) first and the other 3 months later. Occassionaly all the lift that's needed is a nipple lift ($1400) and I do that at the same time as the augmentation. The surgeon needs to know exactly the size and shape you desire. I find that... more

Breast lift with saline or silicone implants

The most significant difference between saline and silicone filled implant is their "feel", with the silicone implant being softer and therefore more natural. Since the implants are being used at the same time as the breast lift, the scar size will not be affected by the type of implant used.

Saline vs silicone debate is well-described

There has already been much discussion regarding the differences between a saline vs. a silicone implant over the years. It is well known that the most natural feel and look is delivered with a silicone implant. Both types of implant can be inserted through a lollipop lift type of incision. You would need a slightly longer scar to insert a silicone implant if you were simply having a breast augmentation. However, the lollipop scar will provide ample opening to insert... more

Natural Look

The size and style of the implant is probably more of an issue than silicone vs saline. However silicone implants will give amoe natural feel to your breasts.

Breast lift

If you desire a breast lift and like your present size, you will not need a breast implant. If you will like a larger size breast than what you have now, an implant will be needed. A breast lift done with a vertical or "lollipop" scar, can lift the breast tissue and make a very natural looking breast. The memory gel or new silicone implants will always give you the must natural looking breast with the most natural feel to them. Luis Vinas MD, West Palm Beach, Fl. more

Saline or Silicone Breast Implants for “Natural” Look?

Thank you for the question. It is possible to achieve “natural” looking breasts with either type of breast implants. You will find that, since you are undergoing breast lifting surgery, that either type of breast implant can be inserted through the breast lift incision. Having said that, the type of implant used may effect the final outcome, especially if the patient does not have significant covering breast or adipose tissue. For example, some surgeons feel... more