Are Saline implants safer?

More women identify as having BII with saline implants than silicone gel. Further from the same study, identification of heavy metals and contaminants in scar capsule removed from self reporting BII patients look no different than from scar capsules from women not complaining of BII, or even from breast tissue from women undergoing a breast lift who have never had implants. Also from the same study, it makes no difference how much scar capsule is removed after explant; the same pattern of symptom reduction was found whether all of some of the scar was removed, indicating that the scar capsule is not a repository for heavy metals and toxins. BII is a fantasy made up by patients in their mistaken believe that life's twists and turns are due to their implants. Autoimmune disease and cancer have been safely put to bed, and implants have no causal relationship with them (with the exception of breast implant associated lymphoma and a particular type of textured implants now off the market). Don't be afraid and get your implants.

Great question. I tell patients that they definitely have the choice of saline or silicone, and though a majority of patients end up choosing silicone both have a silicone shell. Differences are is what is contained inside, with silicone being a solid gel that can leak versus saline (salt water) that if it leaks the body absorbs a significant portion of the saline..

I use mainly saline implants. They are more worry free for sure. No guessing games about silicone leaking in the body. No MRI every few years. Much lower incidence of hardening requiring further surgery. Better peace of mind in my opinion

Dear Nicolesbox,
there have been numerous studies on the safety and efficacy of silicone breast implants. The FDA has approved them to be safe and breast augmentation is the most common cosmetic surgical procedure performed in the United States every year. Implants are much different than they used to be with rigorous testing and cohesive gel. I can't tell you how happy my breast augmentation patients have been with their implants.
I would recommend a consult with a plastic surgeon to go over all of your concerns. Saline implants are also a perfectly good option if you are still concerned and are less expensive.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

The question of whether or not breast implants are “safe” has largely been answered in the affirmative since there are millions of women the world over who are pleased with their implants and in excellent health, enjoying the benefits they have derived. That said, there remain unanswered questions as to whether or not certain women develop some sort of systemic immune reaction to the presence of a foreign body.

You are correct that the shell of a slime implant is indeed made of silicone, just as the very same shell is for silicone gel filled implants. The saline filled implants, however, do offer some women peace of mind that there is no gel that can leak, even though it remains unproven that there is any medical danger whatsoever to silicone gel.
There are two types of saline filled implants
available today: the traditional saline filled Mentor or Allergan implants, or the newer IDEAL implant which is rapidly gaining popularity with patients and plastic surgeons alike.!

The good news is that many women enjoy the benefits of breast implants, regardless of type of fill. All implant shells, however, are comprised of silicone. Ultimately there is a risk benefit calculation that you have to make. Seek out the advice of one or more board certified plastic surgeons whose aesthetics seem to align with your own, and with whom you feel you are in good hands. Best of luck to you.

Breast implants: Saline vs. siliconeWonder about the differences between saline and silicone breast implants? The risks of breast implants? What happens if an implant ruptures? Get answers to these questions and more.
Breast implants are used for people who want larger breasts, also called augmentation. And breast implants can be used for those who want to rebuild a breast after cancer surgery or injury, also called reconstruction. If you're thinking about breast implants, here's some information to help you choose between saline-filled and silicone gel-filled implants.
What's the difference between saline and silicone breast implants?
Saline and silicone breast implants both have an outer silicone shell. The implants differ in what they're filled with and how they feel.Saline breast implantsSaline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They're usually put into the breast empty and filled when they're in place.
Saline breast implants are available to people ages 18 and older to make breasts larger.Silicone breast implantsSilicone implants are made with silicone gel filling. Most people believe that silicone breast implants look and feel more like natural breasts.Silicone breast implants are available to people age 22 and older for augmentation. They are available at any age for breast reconstruction.What are the risks of breast implants?
Saline and silicone breast implants have similar risks, including:* Scar tissue that changes the shape of the breast implant — a condition called capsular contracture* Breast pain* Infection* Changes in nipple and breast feeling, which is often temporary* Leaking or tearing
More surgery, either to remove or replace the implants, might be needed for any of these issues.With certain breast implants there is a low risk of developing a type of cancer known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Implants with a textured outer silicone shell and a certain type of plastic shell called polyurethane seem to have the highest risk. As a result, some of these implants are no longer available in the United States and some other countries.Although BIA-ALCL affects the breast, it isn't breast cancer. But it can spread, and a small percentage of people who have it require chemotherapy or radiation therapy to treat it. It's important to see your health care provider if you have swelling around a breast implant, a lump in your breast or armpit, or changes to your breast skin.Some people associate certain symptoms, such as fatigue and joint pain, with breast implants. This is referred to as breast implant illness. The cause hasn't been proved. In some cases, removal of the implants stops the symptoms. More studies are needed.What happens if an implant ruptures?
If an implant tears, the approach might depend on whether the implant is saline or silicone.Ruptured saline implantIf a saline breast implant tears, the implant will flatten. This will change the size and shape of the breast.Leaking saline solution isn't a health risk. But removing the silicone shell requires surgery. A new implant can likely be inserted at the same time.
Ruptured silicone implantA tear in a silicone implant might not be noticeable at first — or ever — because the silicone tends to stay trapped in the scar tissue that forms around the implant. This is known as a silent rupture.Leaking silicone gel isn't thought to cause health problems, but it can travel to other parts of the body. Silicone found outside of the breast is often not removed due to the risk of damaging other tissues.A torn silicone breast implant might cause breast pain, breast thickening or changes in the shape of the breast. If this happens, surgical removal of the implant might be needed. A new implant can usually be put in at the same time.Is the safety of breast implants watched?
Both saline and silicone breast implants are considered safe. Research on how safe both types of implants are and how well they work is ongoing.

Both saline and silicone implants are FDA approved and considered safe. There are risks and benefits to each that you must evaluate to determine what is right for you. You are correct that the saline implants have silicone shells. They are filled with sterile saline during the procedure to a given volume. Silicone implants come prefilled. I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to discuss breast augmentation and your concerns. Keep in mind that breast augmentation is a choice and a procedure that is designed to make you feel excited and good about your breasts. If it only brings anxiety and fear you have to weigh if it is right for you. I've included a video about implants that I hope you find helpful.

Both saline and silicone implants are safe. There is no doubt that saline implants are a bit safer than silicone and you are aware when the saline implant ruptures (one breast deflates quickly).
Both implants have identical silicone shells, however, Bii is less likely in smooth shell saline implants.
Saline implants do not feel as 'natural' as their silicone counterparts.
Dr. Taranow

There are risks with about anything you do to your body. Saline implants are just a bag of salt water and we are about 60% salt water. You may do more damage to your body with smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating the wrong foods than with implants. However, if you are concerned, perhaps avoid getting implants. Statistically, there are lower risks with saline implants than with gel implants.