What is the Difference Between Saline and Silicone Breast Implants?

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May 15, 2014 0

Q: What is the Difference Between Saline and Silicone Breast Implants?

A: There are two different types of breast Implants used today: The saline filled implant and the silicone-gel implant. The saline-filled implant has been the most popular choice for the past 15 years, but the silicone-gel implant is now being recommended to many women since its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The following highlights the important facts about these implants.

Silicone Gel

Advantages Disadvantages
  • More Natural Look and Feel
    		•
  • Slightly Larger Incision
    		•
  • Less Movement of Implant
    		•
  • Higher Cost
    		•
  • Material/Less Rippling
    		•

    After an evaluation of evidence by the Association of Silicone Breast Implants, the Institute of Medicine concluded that there is “no definitive evidence linking breast implants to cancer, neurological diseases, neurological problems or other systematic diseases.”

    Saline-Filled

    Advantages Disadvantages
  • Smaller Incision
    		•
  • Firmer to the Touch
    		•
  • Less Expensive
    		•
  • Less Natural Appearance
    		•
  • More Movement of Implant Material
    		•
  • More Rippling
    		•

    Saline implants are often viewed as safer since if there is any leakage, the saline solution will blend easily with the body’s other fluids.

    Breast augmentation is a serious matter and one that needs to be discussed thoroughly with your cosmetic surgeon, who should be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.