Saline VS Silicone Implants

For women looking to achieve a bustier frame, breast augmentation is the way to go. Using implants, the procedure works to enhance the shape and volume of the breasts. A big part of what makes that all possible are the implants themselves. Only offering the best medical grade implants in the cosmetic industry, McLean Clinic proudly offers both silicone and saline implants.

While the purpose of both of them are the same, silicone and saline implants feature key differences that are important to consider before choosing one over the other. If you’re looking to get breast augmentation done and trying to figure out which implant is right for you, here we breakdown the pros and cons of both of them to help you make that final decision.

Saline Implants

What Are They?
Saline implants come in a highly durable shell that’s filled with saline, or salt water solution. This fluid is reminiscent of fluids that are already found in our bodies, something that gives patients additional peace of mind.

Saline implants are inserted into the breast through small insertions. At first, they’re inserted while they’re still deflated, then strategically placed under your breast for the perfect placement. Once the surgeon has it on their preferred location, they will inflate the implant with the saline solution. This is great to control the size of the implant and make sure that it complements the breast and chest area nicely.

How Do They Look and Feel?
Unlike silicone implants, the saline option typically feels much firmer. The breasts tend to look rounder on women with smaller frames as well. Many patients report the feeling of saline implants to being like water balloons. It may feel slightly weird and uncomfortable at first, but something that can get used to over time. It’s also important to keep in mind that patients with saline implants have a higher chance of experiencing rippling and wrinkling under the skin.

What Is The Cost Associated With Saline Implants?
Saline implants are the most cost-effective option when it comes to breast implants. Depending on the clinic you go to, the procedure can cost anywhere between $5,000-10,000.

What are the risks and complications?
There are risks and complications associated with any surgical cosmetic procedure. The one that directly affects saline implants is the possibility of downward displacement, something women with already lower hanging breasts are at high risk of. Because of gravity and weight, saline implants may end up sitting lower on the chest than what patients originally asked for. This is significantly less likely to happen with silicone implants as they weigh less.

When it comes to saline implant ruptures, unlike silicone, you will notice right away – which depending on how you look at it is a good thing. The saline solution will leave the implant and the body will harmlessly absorb the rest.

Silicone Implants

What Are They?
Silicone implants are probably the most popular on the market. They’re filled with medical grade silicone to resemble the consistency of real breasts. Unlike saline implants, patients usually choose to go with silicone implants because they typically last longer and have smaller chances of rupturing down the road.

Since silicone implants are prefilled, larger incisions need to be made on the breast to ensure proper placement. These incisions are typically made under the breast or around the dark skin around the nipple.

How Do They Look and Feel?
Patients who opt for silicone implants typically love it because of the similar consistency it has to real breasts. Silicone technology has also improved drastically over the last couple of years for even more natural results. “Gummy bear” implants are the latest in silicone technology that has the look and feel of natural breasts.

What Is The Cost Associated With Silicone Implants?
Breast augmentation with silicone implants can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000 depending on where you go. When compared to saline implants, you’ll notice that silicone is typically the more expensive of the two.

What are the risks and complications?
Every implant has the chance of rupturing. In the case of silicone ruptures, you may not even feel it happen which is why patients are encouraged to get regular MRIs to help monitor the health of their implants. Silicone is designed so that it doesn’t migrate to other areas of the body which is why it’s ruptures are silent. If it goes unnoticed for a long period of time, it can cause breast pain, discomfort and might even change the symmetry of the breast itself.

Other Things To Keep In Mind With Breast Augmentation

Patients need to keep in mind that they may need to do some maintenance work down the road to keep up the appearance of their breast augmentation for as long as possible.

If you’re considering to get a breast augmentation and unsure whether silicone or saline implants are right for you, book a consultation with McLean Clinic today. Their talented team will give you a full rundown of both options and based on your current health, lifestyle and desired look, will recommend what’s best.