Which Feels More Natural and Soft - Silicone or Saline?

Most patients and plastic surgeons agree:  silicone implants feel softer and more "natural" than saline.  Saline implants are indicated in some patients, but when a patient considers their softer feel and proven safety record, most will choose a silicone gel implant.  When you visit with your board-certified plastic surgeon, you should be able to feel the difference for yourself.  Then you can make the best decision for you.  Good luck!

Most surgeons and patients generally agree that silicone feels more natural, particularly the most recent generation of silicone implants. These are often called "gummy bear" implants and are filled with a highly cohesive gel that holds its shape even if the implant is cut in half. This benefit is a major reason many patients choose silicone over saline implants. However, if a patient has a lot of breast tissue to begin with, then a saline implant can feel very natural. Many surgeons have different kinds of implants available during a consultation so their patients can touch them to get an idea of how they really feel. Thanks for your question.

When the implant is held in a person's hand silicone by far is softer and feels more natural. In a patient it depends, if woman has very little breast tissue and/or thin skin then a silicone implant will feel more natural BUT if a woman has moderate breast tissue and/or thicker skin then a saline implant may and can feel natural.

Dr. ES

I think that silicone implants feel the most natural.  You should see a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to feel different implants and make the decision for yourself.

Best,

Depending on how much tissue you have, they both can feel quite good. I prefer smooth silicone in thin individuals. The gummy bear or form stable  silicone implants are a bit too stiff for my liking. I expect this will change as R&D progress. 

This is a very common question that I receive during plastic surgery consultation for breast augmentation. Most Plastic surgeons would agree that silicone has a much more natural feel then sailing. Each type of implant has its own pros and cons, but silicones biggest pro is that it feels most natural.

When my patients feel both implants with a saline in one hand and silicone gel in the other, most agree that the silicone gel feel much more natural and like a real breast.  I invite you to watch my video on You Tube titled Breast Implant Choices or on my Facebook to learn more about the implants.  ac

I occasionally have a patient who prefers the feel of saline, but the vast majority think that silicone feels more natural.  This is particularly important in very thin patients with very little breast tissue.  In these patients, saline implants can feel crinkly- like Ziplock freezer baggies with water in them. 

Both saline and silicone gel implants can produce a nice result in the appropriate patient. Most patients and plastic surgeons prefer the feel of the silicone gel implants. I would suggest  that you find a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should address your concerns, be able to feel the different implants, and discuss the pros and cons of the operative procedure as well as the implant types with that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, MD  FACS

La Jolla, California

If you are looking for the most natural feel, I would suggest you consider a silicone gel implant.