George Philip Smith MD

What’s the difference between saline and silicone gel breast implants?

With the New Year upon us, you may be thinking about finally having that consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss breast augmentation to enhance the size and shape of your breasts. If you are considering breast augmentation – also known as augmentation mammoplasty – you will have a couple of choices when it comes to implants. And the type and size of the implant will depend on your breast anatomy, skin elasticity and body type. So what’s the difference between the implants? 

Saline implants

Saline implants consist of empty implant shells that are inserted through small incisions and placed into the breast pocket. They are then filled with sterile salt water to a size that you and your surgeon have pre-determined. If the implant leaks, the outer shell will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by your body. Saline implants are FDA-approved for women 18 years of age and older. 

Silicone gel implants

Silicone gel implants are heralded as the implants that feel most like natural breast tissue due to the gelatin-like medical-grade silicone gel. These are made of a silicone outer shell pre-filled with the gel and inserted through an incision and placed in the breast pocket. If you get a leak in your implant, you may not know you have a leak as the silicone gel may not collapse. If you decide to go with silicone gel implants, you will want to see your plastic surgeon for regular check-ups to make sure the implants and functioning properly. Silicone implants are FDA-approved for women 22 years of age and older. 

The type of implant, desired size, your body type and your surgeon’s recommendations will determine how and where the implants are positioned. After an incision is made, the implant is inserted into a pocket that’s either located under the pectoral muscle or directly behind the breast tissue over the pectoral method. 

There are numerous reasons why women desire to have a breast augmentation surgery. During your comprehensive consultation at one of our offices, you’ll discuss the look you desire and what results you can expect. Simply call (718) 608-1111 today.