Breast augmentation: Saline vs. silicone

As summer nears, we see more patients considering breast augmentation. One of our most commonly asked questions is saline or silicone. The choice is completely personal and each type of implant has its own pros and cons that one must consider before making a decision.

Saline implants are made of a silicone shell that is inserted empty and then filled with sterile salt water once placed. Because saline implants are filled after being inserted, and can be filled to different volumes, some women choose them in an effort to correct asymmetry of the breasts. Saline implants are placed through a small incision in the armpit and typically heal with a small, well-hidden scar. This is advantageous when avoiding scarring of the breasts. Saline implants are considered slightly less natural feeling and can ripple at the edges. When a rupture occurs with saline implants, the salt water - which is harmless - is absorbed by the body, typically resulting in a noticeable change of the affected breast's shape and size. Saline implants should be replaced when a rupture occurs.

Silicone implants have a silicone shell that is pre-filled with a form stable silicone gel. Silicone implants are typically described as looking and feeling more like natural breast tissue and are less likely to ripple than their saline counterpart. We recommend the placement in the sub-muscular position through a slightly larger incision in the fold below the breast, known as the inframammary fold. This incision site typically heals with a slightly larger, well-hidden scar. When a silicone implant ruptures, the inner gel typically remains trapped in the breast capsule and many women do not even know there has been a compromise, which is known as a "silent rupture". In many cases women discover the rupture during routine imagining or because of pain or change in shape of the breast. Silicone implants should be replaced approximately every 13-14 years as needed.

Placement in the sub-muscular position allows for a more natural looking breast shape, less risk of capsular contracture, and better imaging capabilities for future mammograms.

Owsley Plastic Surgery uses Mentor brand implants due to their superior manufacturing, incredible warranty, and domestic production.

Please call us for a complimentary consultation: (208) 664-0165.

After graduating from Wallace High School, Dr. F. Mark Owsley attended St. Louis Medical School. He went on to his residencies at University of Texas for a six-year general surgery program, and then a three-year plastic surgery program. In 1995 Dr. Owsley returned to Idaho to begin the practice of plastic surgery. He was the first surgeon to bring endoscopic breast augmentation to Kootenai County. Dr. Owsley's experience helps him personalize your needs in cosmetic surgery.