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January 17, 2025
Breast Implants: Saline vs. Silicone
If you’re considering cosmetic breast augmentation, you might be looking to enhance fullness, balance your proportions, or restore your shape after breastfeeding or aging.
But which is right for you—saline or silicone implants?
We turned to Justin Zelones, MD, FACS, a plastic surgeon at Plastic + Hand Surgical Associates in Portland, Maine, for answers. Here’s what you need to know and how to get started.
What implant option is best for you?
As the most trusted Maine plastic surgery team, Plastic + Hand offers a full range of breast augmentation procedures designed to deliver natural, beautiful results.
Saline and silicone breast implants both have an outer silicone shell but have different fillings.
Here’s a quick comparison:
- Saline implants: These are filled with sterile salt water and are inserted empty, then filled once in place. These are FDA-approved for people aged 18 and older.
- Silicone implants: Filled with cohesive silicone gel—often compared to a gummy bear texture—this option provides a natural feel. These are FDA-approved for people aged 22 and older.
In the past, implants came in different textures, but you’re unlikely to find them today. Research linked textured implants to BIA-ALCL, a rare type of lymphoma, leading the shift toward smooth implants in various sizes to fit your needs and goals.
Here’s why most patients choose silicone implants.
Plastic + Hand specializes in breast augmentation in Portland, Maine. Both saline and silicone implants can enhance your breast size and fullness—but silicone implants are the most popular option.
“While saline implants offer a uniform shape, firmness and feel, most people choose silicone because they feel much more natural,” says Dr. Zelones.
Here’s why silicone implants are a favorite:
- Natural look and feel: Silicone implants look and feel more like natural breasts.
- Less rippling: Their cohesive gel filling minimizes visible edges under the skin.
- Long-lasting shape: Silicone implants maintain their shape better than saline over time.
What should you know about the risk of ruptures?
If a saline implant ruptures, it’s typically easy to spot—your breast will deflate, and your body naturally absorbs the saline fluid. Since silicone implant ruptures don’t always cause noticeable symptoms, the FDA recommends an MRI or ultrasound five to six years after placement and every two to three years afterward to ensure your silicone implants remain intact and in good condition.
We personalize breast augmentation for you.
Breast augmentation is about personalizing your results to match your body and goals.
“I always ask patients what size they’d like to be, and it’s never a one-way discussion,” says Dr. Zelones. “We have implant sizers so people can see how different sizes look in their consultation.”
But proportions matter.
“We guide patients in choosing a size that fits their body,” Dr. Zelones explains. “If you go too big, the implant can extend off the side of the chest, which can look unnatural and even cause discomfort, like rubbing against your arm.”
Your Plastic + Hand surgeon will also help you explore placement options to ensure your breast augmentation achieves the look and feel you want.
Do you have questions about breast augmentation?
If you’re considering cosmetic breast augmentation surgery, our Plastic + Hand team has the most qualified breast augmentation surgeons in Maine.
We’re committed to providing the results you seek with the respect and compassion you deserve. The first step begins here. Call us at 207-775-3446 or submit this request form to schedule your consultation with our Patient Care Coordinator to get started.
