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Breast Implants: Ideal Implant Vs Silicone Vs Saline

Breast Implants: Ideal Implant Vs Silicone Vs Saline

There are many types of breast augmentations that women can choose from and at first, selecting the implant type that is right for you can seem overwhelming.

Learning about the IDEAL Implant, silicone gel and saline implants will help you to see the pros and cons of each, and will assist with making this important decision.

Every implant type is going to have its advantages and drawbacks so finding the implant that suits the patient’s individual needs is the key.

There is no one superior implant as they all have very compelling features.

The Pros and Cons of the IDEAL Implant

The IDEAL Implant has been gaining popularity as a hybrid implant that offers the best between the safety of saline and the feel of silicone gel.

Pros of the IDEAL Implant

  1. No Silent Rupture. When a silicone implant leaks the patient will not know until she has an MRI scan.
  2. Reduced Risk of Capsular Contracture. This is a condition where the scar tissues surrounding breast implants harden and affect the look of the implant. It can sometimes cause a tightening sensation or pain.
  3. Feels like silicone gel implants.
  4. As safe as silicone implants. If the implants were to leak, saline is absorbed safely into the body.

Cons of the IDEAL Implant

  1. IDEAL Implants were only approved by the FDA and Health Canada in 2014. This makes them brand new so not many patients have had this type of implant for a long time and therefore, the long term effects and longevity cannot be guaranteed.
  2. Some cosmetic surgeons are not performing breast augmentation procedures with IDEAL Implants so finding a doctor may be more difficult and take longer.

The Pros and Cons of Silicone Implants

Before the IDEAL Implant, silicone implants were the implant of choice, especially for women with thin frames and small breasts.

Pros of Silicone Implants

  1. Natural feel.
  2. Lower rupture rate.
  3. Natural look.
  4. Less rippling.

Cons of Silicone Implants

  1. Silicone may be a health risk if it leaks and is released into the body.
  2. Larger scar than saline or the IDEAL Implant
  3. Allows shaped implants.

The Pros and Cons of Saline Implants

Saline implants are typically less expensive than silicone gel implants and the IDEAL Implant. They are known to be safer but they do not look and feel as natural as the aforementioned.

Pros of Saline Implants

  1. They are more affordable than the IDEAL Implant and silicone gel.
  2. They are made from saline and it will safely absorb in the body if there is a rupture.
  3. No silent ruptures. If the implant leaks the patient will be able to tell visually.
  4. They can be adjusted whereas the size of silicone gel implants cannot be changed.
  5. The incision and therefore the scars are smaller.
  6. More volume choices.
  7. Can be used on younger patients.

Cons of Saline Implants

  1. May cause rippling.
  2. Some patients report hearing a “swooshing” sound.
  3. Does not feel as natural as IDEAL Implants or silicone gel.
  4. Higher rupture rate.
This list is meant as an overview to help patients to get an idea of the common pros and cons of the IDEAL Implant, Saline and Silicone Gel implants.
Booking a consultation with your plastic surgeon is the best way to determine which implant is right for you.
Dr. Lee is a highly acclaimed board-certified cosmetic surgeon that specializes in both cosmetic and reconstructive breast augmentation procedures.
Contact the Calgary Institute of Plastic Surgery, (403) 286-4263 or send us an email with any questions you may have.