Should I get Saline or Silicone Breast Implants?

Everyone is unique and beautiful in their own way, and in the era of body positivity, more and more women are embracing their bodies just the way they are. This is a wonderful movement that has helped many women feel more comfortable in their own skin, and confident in their appearance. However, it is important to recognize that it is perfectly normal for there to be some things about your body that you wish you could change – almost no one is happy with every single thing! In many cases, diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyle changes can go a long way towards affecting positive change in your body. However, unfortunately some areas of the body such as the breasts can’t really be “worked out” to change their appearance. Many women are dissatisfied with breasts that they feel are too small, making it difficult for them to find flattering bras and clothing, feel confident during intimacy, or feel feminine and attractive. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen understands the far-reaching effects feeling self-conscious or uncomfortable in your body can have, and is happy to offer an array of breast enhancement options for women to consider. This post will discuss the popular method of breast augmentation of breast implants, as well as dive into the differences between the two main types of implants, saline and silicone.

Breast augmentation with implants is a safe and highly effective option for enhancing the size and shape of the breasts, making it one of the most common plastic surgeries in America. During one-on-one consultation with Dr. Temmen, patients can discuss what kind of result they are hoping for, as well as review real patient before and after photos to get an idea of what other patient transformations have looked like. Part of this discussion will also include going over the options for scar location (in the armpit, around the areola, or under the breast fold), and implant placement (above or below the muscle). Patients are then given the opportunity to “try on” different implant types and sizes under their clothes to help them imagine what different options would look like. Once an implant is selected, Dr. Temmen will make final custom adjustments to size in the operating room to best match the patient’s preferences.

So, how does one choose a breast implant? Well, the first big decision is choosing between saline and silicone, which the remainder of this blog will discuss. From a safety standpoint, both implant types are FDA approved and safe options for patients when inserted by an experienced and skilled board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Traci Temmen. The only exception is that currently, the only implant type that is FDA approved for patients ages 18-21 is saline. The difference between these two implant types is what they are composed of. Saline implants are made of a thin silicone shell that is then filled up with sterile saline to the desired size. Silicone implants, on the other hand, are solid and made of soft silicone throughout, and come in many different sizes and shapes. Generally, saline implants are a little less expensive than silicone. Silicone implants often look a little more natural than saline, especially in women with thin overlying tissues where any mild rippling or wrinkling of the saline implant surface may show through the skin. Some patients also prefer the more natural feel of silicone implants (jelly-like) compared to saline (water balloon). In terms of complications, saline implant rupture is normally quickly visually apparent to the patient (think of a popped water balloon), whereas silicone implant ruptures may not be noticeable to the naked eye and require imaging to pick up. In the event of rupture, a saline implant is also a little easier to resolve than silicone because saline can be naturally absorbed by the body leaving just the shell to be removed during surgery, whereas if a silicone implant ruptures, all of the silicone will have to be removed during surgery.

For women who wish to enhance the size or shape of their breasts, implants are a safe and highly effective option to consider. Overall, choosing the right implant involves considering the patient’s anatomy, current appearance and aesthetic goals, and always involves detailed one-on-one discussion with their plastic surgeon. Dr. Traci Temmen has performed numerous breast augmentations with both saline and silicone implants with stunning results, and is committed to working with each patient to find the perfect option for them! Please explore the Gallery tab on this website to view real examples of beautiful patient results. If you are interested in learning more about if you may be a candidate for breast enhancement with implants, please call 813-771-6393 to book your personal consultation with Traci Temmen, MD today!