There is no evidence suggesting that saline (salt water) implants are any "safer" than the current version of silicone implants. In fact, there have been a multitude of studies designed to look at whether or not silicone implants increase the chance of complications or side effects after surgery. All of the studies have proven that silicone implants are safe. Therefore, think of saline and silicone implants as being equally safe. One of the main advantages of a saline implant is its cost. Saline implants cost significantly less than a silicone implant because it is much less expensive to manufacture. Another advantage, for some people who are opposed to having silicone implants, is that a saline implant contains only salt water. On the other hand, there are a few disadvantages to saline implants you should be aware of. The main disadvantage of having saline implants is the risk of something called "rippling." Rippling is the presence of folds and wrinkles on the surface of the implant which can become visible or can be felt. This does not happen in everyone with saline implants, and this can also occur with silicone implants, but it is much more common with saline implants than with silicone implants. When rippling occurs, it can become unsightly and bothersome. Many women who develop rippling eventually replace the implants with silicone implants in the future. Another disadvantage is that if a saline implant were to rupture, the breast would likely become deflated and you would need to undergo another surgery to replace the implant. If a silicone implant ruptures, the silicone would stay inside the shell of the implant and you would probably not need another surgery to replace it. Silicone implants have several advantages. One advantage is the fact that silicone implants have much less rippling than saline implants. Another advantage of silicone implants is the "feel" of the implants. The thick silicone jelly inside the implants resembles the feel of a natural breast more than saline implants. Another advantage is the fact that you would probably not need to replace the implant if it were to rupture. The reason is that the thick silicone jelly stays inside the implant even if the implant ruptures. Therefore, you should not be able to feel any difference and there should not be a change in size or shape. One of the few disadvantages of silicone implants is the cost. Silicone implants are more expensive products and thus your surgery cost will likely be higher with silicone implants than with saline implants.To learn more about the breast augmentation procedure, you can read "A Comprehensive Guide to Breast Augmentation."