Silicone breast implants vs. saline: how does one choose the best type of implant?

Advantages of saline

Less expensive (about $1000 less)
Adjustability
Shorter scar (my scar is 1" long)
No silent ruptures - if they deflate/ rupture, there is no guessing or worrying
More volume choices - based on the patients optimal implant diameter and choice of implant size
Can be used in women under 22 years of age

Advantages of silicone

More natual feeling
Less risk of rippling

Generally silicone implants are ideal for the very thin patient with small breasts. In the larger patient with more implant coverage, the advantages of saline outweight the advantages of silicone.

The
choice between saline and silicone is one that requires a complex discussion of
all of the advantages and disadvantages of both implants. The issues to
be considered are safety, density, mobility, rippling, rupture rate,
consequences of rupture, detection of rupture, need for follow-up care, cost of
follow-up, appearance, feel, sensation of heaviness, radio-density, mammograms,
and costs, among other things. There are advantages and disadvantages of
both products. The decision will ultimately be up to you based on what is
appropriate for your particular situation. Beautiful results can be
obtained with either implant.

This is a very common question from patients as they try to decide what implant would be best for them during their breast augmentation.

First of all both implants are safe a will give you a good result. However silicone implants tend to give patients a much more natural appearing breast. Also the silicone implant will give the patient a much softer and natural feeling breast. In patients that are very thin I tend to recommend silicone implants as they are going to feel more of the implant. Patients that are very thin tend to see more rippling with saline implants than with silicone implants.

You should talk to your plastic surgeon about the pros and cons of the two different types of implants.

Thank you for your question and doing your homework on RealSelf!  Saline and silicone gel implants are both safe devices and the choice between the two is a very personal one.  Silicone gel implants come in a variety of consistencies and tend to feel more natural beneath your own breast tissue.  There is no right or wrong choice and your board-certified plastic surgeon can partner with you to develop a treatment plan that is best suited to your individual goals, budget, and timeline.  Best wishes on a fantastic result and speedy recovery!

Each implant has its pros and cons, at this time silicone implants are by far the most popular due to their feeling more natural, however they are more expensive. Your best bet is to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who can show you samples of each implant and explain to you the differences. It is a personal decision for you to make but understanding all the differences will help you decide what is best for you! Good luck.

In general, gel breast implants look and feel more natural.  Saline implants are less expensive, and may be somewhat more helpful if there is a significant breast asymmetry that needs to be corrected, because the saline implants can be filled on the OR table within a range of volumes.  There are also different types of implant shapes and projections, as well as different access incisions, including completely away from the breast itself (transaxillary), and different planes of placement within the breast, so it is best to review these details with your surgeon during your consultation.