Questions? Ask the Plastic Surgeon

Breast Augmentation - Saline vs. Silicone

Q: I am considering having breast augmentation but I don’t know whether to get saline or silicone. Which one is better?

A: Each implant has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, but both are safe (FDA approved) and commonly used.

Saline implants consist of an implant shell filled with a sterile saltwater solution similar to the fluid that makes up the human body. Saline implants are placed deflated, then inflated once they are inserted, allowing the surgeon to use a smaller incision and adjust the volume during the procedure.

Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive gel that holds together uniformly and has a natural give. They are slightly softer than saline and thought by some to have a more natural feel. Because they have a set fill volume, the surgeon uses a slightly larger incision size. Silicone implants cost about $1,000 more than saline implants.