My Chicago area breast augmentation patients often ask me about the difference between saline breast implants and what are often called “silicone implants.” In truth, the difference is what’s inside the implant, since both saline and silicone breast implants have a silicone outer shell.
Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water, called saline, while silicone breast implants are filled with a gel. Because saline implants are packaged in a deflated form, they can be adjusted for size based on the amount of sterile saline added to them. In comparison, silicone implants come prefilled, so their volume and size cannot be changed.
Saline breast implants were first introduced in 1965. Although they are usually a less expensive option, some women find that the edges of the implants—in the form of wrinkling or ripping—are visible beneath the skin, and that their saline implants feel more firm than natural breast tissue.
Saline breast implants can be placed at the age of 18 or older and, in some cases, such as tuberous or extremely unequal breast sizes, they can be placed at an earlier age.
Silicone breast implants are made of a material that feels comparable to human fat. They are, like saline implants, encased in a silicone shell. Unlike saline implants, silicone breast implants have the added benefit of offering a wide variety of shapes, firmness and projection.
Silicone breast implants require that the patient be at least 22 years of age, except in special circumstances. Although it is legal to receive silicone implants under the age of 22 years, some implant manufacturers will not honor their warranties when their implants are placed in individuals beneath the age of 22.
Which Breast Implants Last Longer: Saline or Silicone?
Although there have been numerous scientific studies to answer this question, it can be hard to predict how long your breast implants will last. Of note is that the newer generation of silicone breast implants are quite durable, giving them a slight edge over saline breast implants.
Fortunately, breast augmentation technology is under constant scientific study and testing, meaning that today’s implants are more durable than previously. Simply stated, modern breast implants are made to last. Having said this, there are a number of features to consider regarding longevity of saline vs. silicone breast implants, such as the thickness and flexibility of the outer shell, the type of filling (saline or gel), the surface of the implant (textured vs. smooth) and the shape of the implant. At your private breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Shah, he and his staff will address these issues with you.
Neither silicone nor saline breast implants are permanent. Approximately 20% of women have their breast implants removed or replaced within 8 to 10 years for a variety of reasons: implant rupture, a desire for larger or smaller implants, a need for a breast lift due to aging and/or weight loss or even a desire to remove them altogether. In most cases, breast implant removal, called explant surgery, is not covered by health insurance, although all four FDA-approved breast implant manufacturers do cover removal and replacement for certain conditions within specific time periods after insertion.
What Happens When a Breast Implant Ruptures?
Both silicone and saline breast implants can rupture. Saline implant rupture is immediately visible, as the breast will look flattened. While the saline inside the implant will be absorbed by the body, the implant shell requires surgical removal, at which point Dr. Shah can insert a new implant.
Silicone breast implant ruptures are harder to detect, since the silicone can be confined in the capsule that forms around the implant. Patients with a ruptured silicone implant sometimes notice a small change in the size or feel some breast hardness, but many women feel nothing at all.
Which Breast Implants Are Safer: Saline or Silicone?
Both saline and silicone implants are FDA approved and, by this standard, both implants are safe to use for breast augmentation. Some patients choose saline implants for fear of silicone leakage if there was a rupture. However, the silicone does not migrate in the body, so if there was a rupture event: it stays within the shell. If a saline implant ruptures, the water is immediately absorbed by the body with no harmful effects.
When breast augmentation surgery is performed by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon such as our Drs. Shah, you can trust that the safest procedure has been performed.
Which Breast Implants Look and Feel the Most Natural: Saline or Silicone?
In some body habitus where there is thick breast tissue, it is often difficult to tell the difference between saline and silicone. However, in patients with thin tissues, I feel that silicone breast implants have a distinct advantage, as they provide more natural softness and less rippling that can sometimes be an issue with saline implants.
The Bottom Line:
Both of our Chicago board certified plastic surgeons will thoroughly explain the advantages and disadvantages of both saline and silicone implants, to help you make the best decision for yourself.
If you are interested in seeing if you are a candidate for breast implants, call our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shah. Call 708.424.3999
