Saline or Silicone Implants in Breast Augmentation: What's the Difference Today?

Choosing breast implants is a very personal decision a patient makes in the process of breast augmentation with the help of their plastic surgeon. The decision of the size, style and type of implant is more nuanced than ever. Breast implant choices are implant filler material, saline vs. silicone, and size. For example, silicone breast implants thought of as providing more natural-looking and feeling results, though patients should be at least 22 years old to have silicone implants.  

At Plastic Surgery Vegas, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Michael Edwards, Dr. Terrence "Terry" Higgins,  and Dr. Andrew G. Silver help women seeking breast augmentation in Las Vegas, NV navigate their choices with clarity and confidence. With advanced implant options and alternatives like fat transfer to the breast in the right patient, your plan can be customized to create results that look and feel natural to you.  

How do saline and silicone breast implants differ in structure?  

Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution (the same fluid that bathes our tissues)— after being placed — which allows for slightly smaller incisions. They can be adjusted in volume during surgery within the recommendations of the implant, giving surgeons the flexibility to fine-tune symmetry and other characteristics. Silicone implants, on the other hand, come pre-filled with a cohesive silicone gel that many patients feel mimics natural breast tissue more closely in both look and feel. Both types of breast implants have an outer silicone shell, but the fill material gives each its unique properties in terms of texture, feel, and placement options.  

Which breast implants feel most natural?  

This is one of the most common questions in breast augmentation consultations. Silicone implants are often chosen for their soft, tissue-like consistency, which many patients find more natural to the touch. Saline implants may feel slightly firmer if over-filled, particularly in women with thinner breast tissue, though surgical technique and implant placement under the chest muscle can help create a very natural appearance with either type. Some of the most common factors that influence how breast implants feel and look include:    

• Body type and breast tissue thickness  
• Implant placement (above or below the muscle)  
• Surgical technique  
• Desired size increase  

Our surgeons take all of these into account when guiding you through the decision between silicone vs. saline breast implants.  

Are breast implants safe?  

Safety of breast implants is another frequent question. Both saline and silicone implants are considered safe for breast augmentation and are approved by the FDA for use. Saline implants deflate visibly if they leak described a ruptured, which can provide peace of mind for some patients. Silicone implants today are often made with cohesive gels that tend to stay in place even if the shell is compromised. There are varying degrees of silicone cohesivity with the firmer commonly referred as a "gummy bear" implant. Routine monitoring by either breast ultrasound or MRI and open communication with your plastic surgeon are key when it comes to the safety of breast implants. At Plastic Surgery Vegas, we are here over the long term to help ensure your implants remain in good condition and continue to meet your expectations.  

Is there an alternative to breast implants for increasing breast size?  

Not every woman wants implants, and some prefer to enhance their breasts in a different way. Fat transfer to the breast is an option as a natural breast augmentation alternative to implants in the best candidate — though it can also be used in combination with implants for a softer, more customized look. With breast fat transfer, fat is harvested from another area of your body and use it to shape and refine the breasts. While breast fat grafting cannot achieve the same level of size increase as implants, it provides a natural complement for women seeking subtle fullness or improved contours. If you have additional questions about the current options for breast implants or breast augmentation overall, don't hesitate to contact our knowledgeable team to learn more.  

Achieve your goals with modern options for breast augmentation in Las Vegas, NV  

Deciding between saline and silicone implants is just one step in your breast augmentation journey. At Plastic Surgery Vegas, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Michael Edwards, Dr. Terrence "Terry" Higgins, and Dr. Andrew G. Silver take the time to understand your vision, explain your options, and design a plan tailored to your needs — whether that involves saline, silicone, or fat transfer to the breast. To learn more about which kind of breast implant is right for you, contact us today to schedule a consultation for Las Vegas breast augmentation.