Articles
Breast implants: Saline vs. silicone
What factors should I consider before getting breast implants?
Content
What's the difference between saline and silicone breast implants?
What are the risks of breast implants?
What happens if an implant ruptures?
Is the safety of breast implants actively monitored?
What factors might I consider before getting breast implants?
What's the bottom line?
What's the difference between saline and silicone breast implants?
Saline and silicone breast implants both have an outer silicone shell. The implants differ in the filler material and consistency, however.
Saline breast implants
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They're inserted empty, and then filled once they're in place.
Saline breast implants are available to women age 18 and older for breast augmentation and to women of any age for breast reconstruction.
Silicone breast implants
Silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel — a thick, sticky fluid that closely mimics the feel of human fat. Most women believe that silicone breast implants look and feel more like natural breast tissue.
Silicone breast implants are available to women age 22 and older for breast augmentation and to women of any age for breast reconstruction.
