I'm going with saline implants, but I feel that I see more people with silicon. Did I make the wrong decision?

Fact: Silicone implants (present-generation ones by any manufacturer) cannot "leak"--they are all cohesive silicone gel "solids" of differing degrees of cohesivity. Fact: Silicone implants have been the most studied implants in the medical device marketplace, and are safe. They do not have any association with autoimmune disorders, arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, or so-called human adjuvant diseases.Fact: Therefore, saline implants are NOT "safer." Another operation to replace a leaking implant or one whose rippling you find intolerable is another whole set of (minimal, but present) real risks!Fact; Via static photos, you cannot tell the difference between a great result with saline implants and a great result with silicone implants. Click on the web reference link below and see lots of examples of both. Saline implant rippling is seen when bending over, and can be felt. This never to rarely (always less) occurs with cohesive silicone implants. Silicone feels more natural, and not just a little better!Fact: Going through the armpit means armpit bacteria can contaminate (saline OR silicone) implants (even if a Keller Funnel is used), and therefore increases your risk of capsular contracture (CC). NOT an "advantage" of saline implants. Is avoiding a crease scar that is usually minimally visible worth an axillary incision that can still be visible with sleeveless tops, swimwear, or arms raised? Plus a higher risk of CC?Fact: There are very real and scientifically-proven reasons most surgeons and most patients choose cohesive silicone implants, and the rate is about 85% silicone, 15% saline. Saline does carry a bigger profit margin . . . could THIS be a reason why some surgeons promote saline implants?Fact: the majority of us that prefer cohesive silicone implants do so with full awareness of the pros and cons of saline, since we were "forced" by the FDA to use them for primary cosmetic augmentation between 1992 and 2006. Once they returned to the elective, first-time breast augmentation marketplace, the majority of us returned to mostly silicone implants. We still offer saline implants, but don't really recommend them since silicone are "better" by most criteria, and preferred by most patients!Go to the link below and see how saline and silicone look. No difference. Ask 87 women how they feel, and even many of the saline-implanted women will feel great. But some of the saline won't, and way less of the silicone feel anything different from wonderful.Then, please read my Comprehensive Guide to Breast Augmentation by clicking on my about page and scrolling down to the Articles section. Listen to your gut! Feel the Force, Madison! Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Saline vs. Silicone differences include:
-The "feel"- silicone is more natural
-The "look"- silicone is less prone to rippling
-The "cost"- silicone is more expensive
-Access incisions- saline can be placed through a smaller incision as they are empty at the time of placement
-Customization-Silicone implants are pre-filled to a particular volume. Saline can be adjusted on the table within a recommended range.
-Monitoring-Saline implants, if ruptured, will deflate and the saline fill will be absorbed. Silicone implants require surveillance MRI's at 3 years and every 2 years after.
Patients prefer silicone devices for the more natural feel and the decreased incidence of rippling. In my practice most patients will choose a smooth round device. When placed in the submuscular plane, the aesthetic differences are minimal. The downward pressure by the muscle across the upper pole of the round device forces it to assume a more tear drop appearance. Recent studies have shown that both patients and surgeons have difficulty distinguishing between the 2 implant types post-operatively. Additionally, shaped implants are more costly and have an increased risk of rotation.
Finally, although very rare, the few documented cases of BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) have all been in cases of textured devices (shaped form stable or "gummy bear"). Until more data is available many are shifting their practice back to smooth round devices.
Your board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS) should be able to help you select an implant type/size that satisfies your goals.

When the implant is placed in a dual plane (partly behind the chest muscle at the top and partly behind the breast on the bottom), there is NO difference look wise. See for yourself. Only 1 of the 20 pictures posted in the link below is silicone. Bet you can’t determine which one. Hope this information is helpful and reassuring. Enjoy your saline implants with no regrets. Dr. Ted EisenbergBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author