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Silicone vs Saline: Which One Is Best For You?

You wouldn’t buy a car without researching it first, so why would breast augmentation cosmetic surgery be any different? Dr. Vincent and Vincent Surgical Arts wants to help women seeking breast augmentation surgery make the correct decision by providing them with the latest information about the types of breast implants now available–saline-filled and silicone-gel-filled implants.

“In 2009, there were over 350,000 breast augmentation procedures performed in the United States alone. We want to ensure that patients enter into these procedures knowing that they’ve made the best choice for their needs, and that they understand the possible risks involved with each type of implant,” said Vincent.

How are saline and silicone implants different?

Saline breast implants are made of a silicone rubber shell. These implants do not come pre-filled with saline (saltwater solution) by the manufacturer. Unfilled, saline implants can be inserted through a smaller incision making it slightly easier to hide. Then, the physician fills and seals them.

“If a saline implant ruptures the implant will deflate, and the leaking saline solution will be absorbed by your body, without posing any health risks. You’ll need surgery to remove and replace the implant. A new implant can generally be inserted at the same time,” said Vincent.

Silicone implants consist of a silicone rubber shell that is prefilled with a non-toxic silicone gel by the manufacturer to the desired size. Since these come in a variety of shell types, shapes and volumes, they often look and feel more similar to natural breast tissue. Since silicone gel implants are pre-filled, the incision must be slightly larger. But the incision sites are generally discreet and well hidden.

In the past, silicone implants, if ruptured, could potentially lead to more serious health effects to the user. “Since the early 1990s, there have been more than 15 studies published looking at exactly those types of auto-immune diseases that had been linked to silicone, and all the studies found absolutely no link. If the implants remained ruptured for lengthy periods of time, years for instance, the risk for complicated revision-surgery does go up. Therefore, it is crucial to replace your implants regularly to not allow ruptured silicone to cause the inflammatory reaction that can lead to a more difficult and painful revision,” said Vincent.

Vincent added, “Currently, there's no evidence that leaking silicone gel causes serious, long- term health problems. However if the implant ruptures, as is true for saline implants as well, additional surgery will be required to repair the ruptured implant. In either case, additional costs prevail because insurance will not cover the removal of the implant, or its replacement.”

While saline-filled implants may seem like a safer option, many doctors and clients prefer silicone-filled implants, as they tend to look and feel more like natural breast tissue. “Saline implants also have the tendency to feel more like water balloons than silicone implants,” said Vincent.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned silicone implants in 1992, due to potential long-term health concerns. However, after numerous studies, the FDA lifted its ban on silicone implants in 2006, approving them for women 22 and older. It recommends monitoring silicone breast implants with routine MRI scans periodically.

To learn more about saline- and silicone-gel-filled breast implants, or to schedule a consultation, call Vincent Surgical Arts today.