What is the difference between silicone and saline implants?
There are many differences between silicone and saline implants. Both silicone and saline implants have a silicone shell. The fill for saline implants is performed after the implant is placed in its pocket. Therefore, saline implants can be placed through smaller access incisions. Silicone implants, on the other hand, come pre-filled; that is, the silicone is placed in the implant by the manufacturer. Resultantly, a larger incision is necessary for placement of silicone implants. Silicone implants have only recently been reintroduced by the FDA. Studies have shown that silicone implants are safe. Silicone implants do have a slightly higher risk of capsular contracture; that is, formation of a firm capsule around the implant. They have many advantages as well. The advantages include a more natural feel, no possibility of ripple formation, and more seamless junction between the normal breast tissue and the implant. At this time, all patients undergoing augmentation with silicone implant
Both silicone and saline implants have a solid outer silicone “shell” that is identical. Saline implants come empty and are filled with sterile saline intraoperatively by your surgeon. Silicone implants come pre-filled with cohesive gel that has the consistency of “jello” so that it does not leak. Silicone implants feel softer and more natural than saline. Saline implants deflate 1% per year and eventually start rippling.
