Silicone vs. Saline Breast Implants: Which is Safer?

Selecting the right breast implants for your breast augmentation is a big decision. With so many options to choose from, it’s important to have the guidance of an experienced plastic surgeon who can help you navigate the process. When considering breast augmentation, health and safety are typically among the top concerns, and much attention is often given to making the choice between silicone- or saline-filled implants. Our plastic surgeons at Regional Plastic Surgery Center frequently address questions patients have about the safety of silicone versus saline breast implants. While there are distinctive differences between each type that must be contemplated with regard to each individual’s desired results and priorities, both silicone and saline breast implants are FDA-approved and considered to be safe, reliable medical devices when placed correctly by an experienced plastic surgeon.

Although there were health concerns related to silicone breast implants in the past (which removed them from the market for a period of time), improvements to the design, testing, and components of silicone implants have greatly enhanced their safety, as well as reduced the likelihood of leakage and rupture in some models. As an additional precaution, most plastic surgeons require that patients with silicone gel breast implants periodically undergo MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) to provide accurate evaluation of implant integrity and detection of breast cancer.

With the assistance of your plastic surgeon, you must weigh all of the benefits and drawbacks of silicone and saline breast implants and choose which is best for your specific needs and goals. The unique surgical plan and placement techniques your surgeon recommends may also play a role in making one type of implant more suitable than the other. At Regional Plastic Surgery Center, we encourage you to explore all of your options with the understanding that your safety, health, and satisfaction are always our greatest concerns.

If you are considering breast augmentation or a breast lift with augmentation and want to learn more, we welcome you to contact our practice to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.