Breast Implants

Sandpoint, Hayden, Coeur d’Alene and North Idaho

Silicone vs. Saline Implants

When you decide to have breast enlargement surgery, one of the important decisions that you will make is whether to have silicone-filled or saline-filled implants. Both types of implants can produce beautiful results. Many factors can help us determine which filler is best for you.

The basics

Silicone and saline filled implants both have an outer shell made of silicone. Silicone implants are filled with a semi-solid silicone gel. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water, which is similar to the composition of the natural fluid in our bodies.

Silicone and FDA approval

In 1992, the FDA placed restrictions on the use of silicone filled breast implants as a response to safety concerns. After 14 years of intensive research, testing, and improvements in silicone implants, the FDA lifted most of those restrictions in 2006, making silicone implants in the United States an option for primary augmentation in women 22 years and older. To date, there is no compelling scientific research that indicates silicone implants cause any autoimmune disease or other systemic illness.

Advantages of silicone implants

Silicone filled implants feel and act more like natural breast tissue. They are less likely to develop ripples and become visible beneath the skin. In women with very little breast tissue or adipose (fat) to cover the implant, they can produce much more natural looking results.

Disadvantages of silicone implants

With all implants there is a small risk of leakage. When silicone implants leak, it is not always noticeable. The semi-solid gel texture of the silicone helps it stay in place, so your breasts do not deflate. However, removing the implant and the gel can be more difficult than removing and replacing saline filled implants which have leaked. While it is obvious when saline implants leak, silicone implants can have what is referred to as a silent rupture, or a leak which is clinically impossible to identify. For this reason, patients requesting silicone gel implants are advised by the FDA to obtain periodic MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of their implants to ensure their integrity. Currently, silicone gel implants are more expensive than saline implants.

Advantages of saline implants

Saline filled implants can be inserted through a small incision and filled once they are inside the body. Some saline implants can be adjusted in size after surgery. Should the implant rupture and leak, the saline is absorbed harmlessly by your body, and the implant deflates, so you will know there is a problem right away. Replacing a deflated saline implant is usually a simple procedure.

Disadvantages of saline implants

Most women find that saline implants do not look and feel as natural as silicone implants. Saline implants can develop ripples which are visible when they are close to the surface of the skin. While not an emergency, when saline implants deflate, it is usually a sudden event, and you will have extremely asymmetric breasts until surgery is performed to replace the implant.

Choosing silicone or saline

Your body type, location of the implant, incision site, and your desired look and feel will all play a part in choosing the type of implant fill which is right for you. I will review the pros and cons of both types of filler and how they apply to you personally in order to help you make this important decision.

Important information

The risk for breast cancer does not differ in woman with breast implants compared to other women. Breast implants can interfere with visualization of breast tissue on mammography. You should always inform your mammography center that you have breast implants when you make an appointment, and always remind the mammography technician when you go for the exam so that a special technique can be used to better see all of your breast tissue. More information can be found at BreastImplantSafety.org.

It’s important to know that your breast implants are not permanent and may require replacement during your lifetime. As you age, your breasts may change due to weight fluctuations, hormone changes and the effects of gravity. If you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to have revision surgery or a lift to recreate more youthful breasts.

Dr. Michelle Spring provides surgical expertise and exceptional patient care in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in Sandpoint, Ponderay, and all of Northern Idaho. With extensive training in breast surgery, body contouring, and facial surgery, she offers cosmetic procedures with an emphasis on natural results, safety and personal attention to your individual goals. If you are considering cosmetic surgery, learn more by viewing our Before and After Gallery or FAQ's page, and contact Dr. Spring today to schedule your breast implant consultation.

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