If you’re looking to get a breast augmentation, you’re going to be faced with an inevitable question: Are you looking to get saline or silicone breast implants? You may be wondering what’s the difference between the two and which option is best for you.
Both silicone and saline breast implants are composed of an outer silicone shell. The difference lies in the filler material and consistency. There are several factors to consider when getting a breast augmentation. Consulting with your plastic surgeon will help give you a better idea of which type of implant is best fitted to your body type.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline-filled implants have been available to women over the age of 18 since the 1960s. For this option, an empty silicone shell is inserted then filled once in place. Because the silicone shell is inserted empty, there is a small, less visible incision site. A drawback to the saline implant is that some claim that they’re more visible under the skin, which can cause breast implant rippling.
Silicone Breast Implants
Unlike saline implants, silicone breast implants are made solely of silicone. Silicone has become popular over the years because the pre-filled silicone gel implants have the sticky, thick fluid that mimics the feel of human fat. While silicone implants have more a natural feel, they do pose more risk than saline implants if they rupture.
Saline implants may be right for you if:
- You have a good amount of natural breast tissue.
- You’re under the age of 22
- You are on a tighter budget and want the least expensive option
- You don’t like the idea of getting MRIs to monitor your breast implants
- You prefer a transaxillary incision type
Silicone implants may be right for you if:
- You want a more natural look
- You have very little natural breast tissue
- You are interested in shaped implants
- You want a natural feeling breast