implant types

Breast Implant Options - Silicone Gel vs. Saline

Silicone Gel Breast Implants

Advantages

• Silicone gel implants feel more like natural breast tissue
• Silicone implants are less likely to cause the skin around the breast to ripple
• Silicone gel implants are available in a variety of sizes, profiles, and textures
• Lifetime replacement guarantee from the manufacturer

Disadvantages

• Silicone breast implants come pre-filled, meaning that the exact volume must be determined before surgery
• Because silicone breast implants are pre-filled, the incision will be slightly longer to allow for insertion of the implant
• If a silicone breast implant ruptures (which is less likely with contemporary silicone implants because of the multi-layered shell), silicone is not absorbed by the body
• Silicone gel implants are not available for women under the age of 22

Saline Breast Implants

Advantages

• Saline breast implants are filled after they are inserted so that exact volume can be customized during surgery
• If a saline implant ruptures, the saline (salt water) filling is safely absorbed by the body
• Saline implants are available for women of all ages
• Saline implants are available in a variety of sizes, profiles, and textures

Disadvantages

• Saline implants are not as soft or natural-feeling as silicone gel implants
• Saline breast implants are more likely to cause the skin to ripple around the breast