Silicone vs Saline Breast Implants
If you’re planning a Breast Augmentation, you’ll undoubtedly research Round vs Teardrop, Mentor vs Motiva and the size of Breast Implants. But have you considered the type of implant? When it comes to the difference between Silicone vs Saline Implants, our clients often ask which implants are better, safer and longer lasting. Read on to discover why over 90% of Australian Breast Augmentations use Cohesive Silicone Gel Breast Implants.
Cohesive Silicone Gel Implants and Saline Breast Implants are used enhance the size and shape of the breasts during a Breast Augmentation. While the objective remains the same, there are important differences to be aware of as you plan your own Breast Augmentation.
Which Are Better: Silicone vs Saline Breast Implants
We understand that choosing the best quality Breast Implants is almost as important as choosing the most experienced and trusted Plastic Surgeon. Which is why our Plastic Surgeons only use Premium Cohesive Silicone Gel Implants from world-leading Breast Implant brands, Mentor and Motiva.
What are Cohesive Silicone Gel Breast Implants?
Cohesive Silicone Gel Implants have a silicone shell with a thick, jelly or mollasses-like cohesive substance that closely mirrors the consistency of your natural breast tissue. So the end result is more natural looking, stable and softer than Saline Breast Implants. Also, Cohesive Silicone Gel Breast implants deliver better results for clients with less breast volume than their Saline counterparts.
What are Saline Breast Implants?
Saline Breast Implants have an outer shell made of silicone but contain a sterile salt water solution (sodium chloride). Your Surgeon fills the shell of the implant with the saline solution during your Breast Augmentation procedure. Saline Implants are firmer and they tend to create rounder, less natural results; particularly for women with less breast tissue.
The key selling point for Saline Implants is that if the implant was to rupture, the sterile salt water is safely absorbed by the body. However, in this instance, the breast implant would deflate.
Cohesive Silicone Gel Implants Vs Saline Implants
Cohesive Silicone Gel Implants
- Available in Round and Teardrop Shapes.
- Closely mirrors natural breast tissue for softer, more natural results.
- Less likely to ripple or cause wrinkles in the skin.
- Less likely to deflate over time (if at all) because the Silicone gel tends to stay within the implant shell or leak into the surrounding tissue*.
- Because Silicone Implants are placed pre-filled, they require a larger incision.
- More expensive than Saline Implants.
*Over time, if a Silicone Implant was to rupture complications (i.e. discomfort, lumps or changes to the breast contour) may arise. This often goes unnoticed. We call this ‘Silent Rupture’. As such, regular monitoring (MRIs) are required. Leaking silicone gel is not linked to long term health issues such as breast cancer, reproductive problems or connective tissue disease. Your Surgeon will work with you to determine if there are any associated risks and whether your implant needs to be removed, or replaced.
Saline Implants
- Saline Implants are only available in Round Shape.
- A firmer, fuller and rounder result that tends to be less natural than Silicone Implants.
- Saline is added to the implant during the procedure.
- Saline Implants are more likely to ripple and can cause wrinkles, particularly in thin skin.
- If a Saline Implant ruptures, the implant will very obviously deflate*.
- Saline Implants are filled after placement, thus allowing for a smaller incision than Silicone Implants.
- Saline Implants are less expensive than Silicone Implants.
* In the event of Implant Rupture, the Saline solution will be readily absorbed by the body; however, the Silicone shell will need to be surgically removed.
Do Silicone Implants Last Longer than Saline Implants?
There is no definitive answer to this. Typically both Saline and Silicone Implants can last anywhere from 10 – 15 years or more. However, the lifespan of your implants will largely depend on how well you take care of your implants.
To extend the lifespan of your Breast Implants follow your Surgeon’s advice closely. This includes regular check-ups and leak detection scans for Silicone Implants.
The Motiva and Mentor Breast Implants used by CosMediTour Plastic Surgeons come with comprehensive warranties. For an additional fee, both brands also offer an option to extend Breast Implant Warranty Coverage.
Further Information
To discuss your own Breast Augmentation options, feel free to connect with our friendly Client Support Team.