Is saline actually safer than silicone implants?

Both saline and silicone implants are safe a FDA approved. Both use a silicone bag of identical material. The saline implant is filled with salt water which will absorb should it break and the implant deflates. The gel is not absorbed if the implant breaks. X-rays are used to help determine if the gel implant is ruptured.

There are a variety of pros and cons to both types of implants. However, it is generally true that silicone gel implants will give superior results in terms of the natural feel and movement of the breast and are certainly also more durable with less need for revision for rippling or ruptures.  In my opinion, the only advantages of saline are lower cost and some on table adjustability for size.  Most women will get a better result with silicone, and I give this advice to my patients.

Both saline and silicone breast implants are approved by the FDA and are considered to be extremely safe. From a safety perspective, you should be fine with whichever option will deliver your desired outcome. In general, silicone breast implants are the more popular option because they deliver more natural looking and feeling results.

The other main difference involves what happens to the implant in the event that it ruptures. The sterile saline solution used in saline implants will be safely absorbed by your body, and your breast will look smaller. This should alert you to the fact that a rupture has occurred. When a silicone implant ruptures, the cohesive gel material maintains its shape, allowing your breast to retain its augmented appearance. As a result, you will not be aware a rupture has occurred. You should undergo periodic MRIs with silicone breast implants to detect for the presence of a rupture.