If you’re thinking about improving your self-esteem and confidence through breast augmentation, the most popular cosmetic procedure in the U.S., you’ll eventually be faced with the decision: saline-filled or silicone-filled implants. Knowing more about the benefits of saline breast implants will help you make an informed decision about what’s best for you and your unique needs.

Advantages

  • Women of any age may opt for a saline implant for reconstruction.
  • Women as young as 18 may choose saline implants for breast enlargement.
  • Saline implants come in many profiles, sizes, and textures.
  • Ruptures are not dangerous; the implant immediately deflates, and the saline (sterile water and salt) is absorbed into the body. (This may require surgery to resolve aesthetic issues.)
  • Average cost is slightly less than for silicone-filled implants.
  • Saline implants can be filled before or during surgery, meaning a potentially much smaller incision.

While implants have been correlated with improved assurance, it is important to understand that your life will fundamentally be the same after getting breast implants.

Disadvantages

Some women feel that saline implants do not look or feel as natural as the silicone type; for some, this complain was resolved by have the saline implant placed under the muscle.

Regardless of what type of implant you choose, your surgeon will recommend having a mammogram done before surgery to aid in the detection of breast cancer later. Any type of implant may also potentially make nursing more difficult or even impossible.

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Safety Concerns

All surgeries come with the risk of complications. However, modern saline implants were approved by the FDA in 2000. Be sure to consult with your surgeon about what’s best for you!

Manufacturers

Most saline implants in the U.S. are supplied by either Allergan, Mentor Corp., or Sientra, all of which are based in the United States.