Choosing Between Saline and Silicone for Breast Implants

choosing saline silicone breast implants

At the offices of Steven Warnock MD, we’re proud to offer breast augmentation surgery services for all those who want to enhance their breast appearance. Whether due to surgical removal or any other self-confidence-related reason, our breast augmentation services will help you achieve the body shape and figure you’ve been looking for.

When considering breast implants, you’ll have a choice between two primary solutions used in modern breast augmentation: Silicone and saline. Which of these is best for you? The answer depends on your needs and their differing qualities in a few notable areas. Let’s go over all the factors you need to know before making your decision.

General Appearance

Saline is a solution that’s very similar to water in many ways, and it fills shells that are used to create breast implants. For this reason, saline implants are a bit more prone to wrinkling or rippling over time, particularly if you have thinner skin in nearby areas. Silicone implants, on the other hand, give a bit of a firmer look and do not risk this kind of rippling to the same degree. However, many patients prefer the feel of saline.

Natural Feel

Speaking of feel, it’s an important factor when choosing which kind of breast implant to proceed with. Neither saline nor silicone will feel completely natural, unfortunately, but each has its own benefits: Saline implants are known to have more give and fluidity, which many prefer, while silicone is more of a direct comparison to natural breast tissue.

Volume and Projection

The terms “volume” and “projection” are used to describe a couple important areas within breast implants:

  • Volume: Volume is how full the surgeon is able to make the implant during surgery. For silicone solutions, volume cannot be adjusted due to gel that can’t be released; for saline, however, volume can be adjusted and the surgeon has a bit more control over the final look.
  • Projection: Projection, on the other hand, refers to how the breasts will look in profile after the procedure. Saline implants offer lower projection degrees, meaning breasts will not be as perky while standing, while silicone implants give several options – from low-profile to very high-profile.

Putting these two areas together, saline implants are usually best for those who desire a subtler appearance. Silicone options, though, have a bit more versatility and can work for either subtle or louder looks.

Lifespan

Finally, a vital question for each solution is how long it will last. While the answer here depends on several outside factors, including your own body makeup and the quality of your surgeon, silicone implants are known to be a bit more durable than saline Some silicone implants will last 10 years or more, though it’s vital to check up on them regularly to check for ruptures or damage – these are tougher to pick up during day-to-day life than for saline options.

For more on choosing between silicone and saline for breast implants, or to learn about any of our other cosmetic surgery offerings, from mommy makeovers to rhinoplasty, speak to the staff at the offices of Steven Warnock MD today.