Dr. Kaufman
What’s the difference between silicone and saline breast implants? Women looking for breast implants want to know.
Here are some quick comparisons to give you an idea of what might work best for you. It’s also a good idea to talk over your options with a plastic surgeon.
What’s inside?
Silicone and saline implants both have an outer silicone/rubber shell, but they have different material inside. Saline implants are filled with saline (amazing, I know), which is basically salt water. Silicone implants are named for the silicone gel inside.
How do they feel?
Silicone implants have a more natural consistency and texture than saline. Saline implants need to be placed under the muscle to make them feel more like natural breast tissue.
I heard they can pop! Is that true?
Ruptures and deflations are not terribly common, but do happen. Because of the inner material, ruptures are easier to detect in saline implants.
Do they come in the same sizes?
Both saline and silicone implants come in a wide range of sizes but saline implants can be more precisely sized with differential filling, whereas silicone implants come in fixed sizes only. Silicone implants also require a slightly larger incision than saline.
Are there age requirements?
Patients need to be 22 years old to qualify for silicone implants. The reason the FDA has set this requirement is not clear. Patients must be 18 years old to recieve saline breast implants, though with parental consent, it’s possible for younger patients to recieve saline implants as well.
What about price?
Silicone implants are about $1,000 more expensive than saline. Our practice does not profit from this price difference. Our goal is to make sure you get the option that’s right for you.
What brand of implant do you use?
We use Mentor brand implants, which are made here in the U.S.A. Another popular alternative, not used by our practice, are Inamed brand implants, which are made in Mexico.
What do I do now?
You can schedule a consultation with us to learn more. Come on down!
