Saline vs. Silicone Implants: Everything You Need to Know

What are saline and silicone implants?

Saline and silicone implants both have an outer silicone shell, are safe and have been used for a long time in breast enlargement surgeries. But while there are similarities, there are also a few key differences. 

What are saline breast implants? 

Saline implants have been around since the 1960s but are still readily available today. They have an outer silicone shell and are usually inserted into the breast cavity while empty before being filled with sterile saline water. That can lead to a smaller incision site, which makes them popular among some patients. They come in different sizes, can have smooth or textured shells and are generally cheaper than silicone implants.

What are silicone implants?

Silicone implants also have a silicone outer shell but are filled with silicone gel rather than a saltwater solution. The implants are filled before they are inserted, which can lead to a wider incision site. However, most people believe that silicone implants look and feel more like natural breasts, which is why they are the most commonly used breast implants in the UK.  

Saline vs. silicone implants: What’s the difference?

There are many differences between the two types of implants in terms of their look and feel, their cost and the consequences of a rupture. Here we’ll discuss some of those differences so you can make an informed choice.

How the implants feel

Both breast implant types have their own distinct feel. Saline implants tend to be firmer and heavier. They’re also more likely to ripple, wrinkle or fold. If they do, it will have to be corrected by adding or removing fluid or replacing the existing implant. 

Silicone implants, on the other hand, have a more natural feel and are softer and more malleable. They’re also less likely to ripple, wrinkle or fold. 

How the implants look  

Saline implants look firmer and rounder and can create a very perky aesthetic, although they can also look unnatural in patients who do not have a lot of breast tissue. They are also more likely to be seen under the skin. 

If you want a more natural look, silicone implants are usually the way to go. They have more similarities with natural breast tissue in terms of the way they hang and their natural curvature. They’re also more pliable and move in a more natural way when you exercise.

The size of the incisions 

Saline and silicone implants can be placed above or below the chest muscle, depending on your particular anatomy and the surgeon’s recommendations. In the case of saline implants, the incision site will be smaller and less noticeable because the surgeon will only fill it once they have placed it correctly. 

With silicone implants, the incisions are typically larger as the implants are prefilled. That means your surgeon will need to make a wider incision to insert it.  

How long they last 

When it comes to their longevity, there’s not a significant difference between the two breast implant types. Neither is a permanent solution, with both saline and silicone implants typically lasting between 10 and 20 years, although 20% of people have their breast implants replaced or removed within eight to 10 years.  

How much they cost

Of the two, saline breast implants are the cheaper option. In the UK, breast enhancement using saline implants typically costs around £1,000 less than their silicone counterparts due to the fill material. 

Implant ruptures

Although it’s not very common – one study found ruptures in less than 10% of patients even a decade after surgery – implant ruptures can and do occur. And when an implant ruptures, there’s a risk that the fluid it contains can leak inside your body. 

With saline implants, the liquid is harmless and can be reabsorbed into your body. You’ll need surgery to remove the deflated outer shell, and you can then choose whether to replace it with a new implant.

Silicone implant ruptures, on the other hand, can potentially cause complications. Although the silicone gel isn’t thought to cause health problems, it can travel to other parts of the body. A ruptured silicone implant may also cause some breast pain or changes in the breast shape. Again, your surgeon will need to remove the implant and you can decide whether to replace it

Saline breast implants: What are the pros and cons?

By way of a quick recap, these are the pros and cons you can expect if you opt for saline breast implants.

The pros

• They’re more affordable
• The incision site is smaller
• There’s less risk of complications in the case of a rupture

The cons

• They tend to have a less natural appearance
• You can sometimes see them under the skin
• There’s a risk of rippling and folding
• They feel firmer and harder than natural breast tissue

Silicone breast implants: What are the pros and cons? 

The pros

• They look and feel more natural 
• They’re less likely to ripple, wrinkle or fold
• They offer more variety in terms of the shapes and sizes available
• They are lightweight and can be more comfortable

The cons

• They’re more expensive
• There are greater risks associated with a rupture
• A wider incision is needed to put the implant in place

How to choose the right type of breast implant

Choosing between saline and silicone implants can be one of the most difficult choices you face as a patient. Although there’s nothing wrong with saline implants, At Enhance Medical Group, we only use silicone implants due to their more natural look and feel, the greater range of customisation options and the reduced risks of rippling, wrinkling and folding. 

During your consultation, our surgeons will discuss the best implant type for you in terms of the size, shape and projection of the implant, your aesthetic aspirations and your lifestyle. We will also discuss the risks associated with the implants and how to manage them so you can proceed with confidence. 

Read more: How to choose the right breast implant

Book your free breast augmentation consultation

Now you know more about the breast implant types and their pros and cons, but there’s no substitute for a thorough consultation with an experienced surgeon. Find out more about breast surgery at the Enhance Medical Group and book your free consultation today.