Silicone and saline implants refer to the breast implants which are used by those who want to increase their bust side or want to enhance the shape of their bust. All those who are considering implants have to make a choice between getting the saline filled implants or the silicone gel filled implants.

It is important that you consider all the aspects of these two types of implants before making a decision. Below is a list of pointers that present the Silicone vs. Saline case and will help you reach a decision.

silicone vs. saline implants

  • Firstly, both the implant types have a silicone outer covering. So the difference between them is the material inside the silicone covering and the consistency of the material.
  • The saline implants, as the name suggests are filled with sterile salted water. On the other hand, the silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel or more commonly a plastic gel, which is a sticky and thick fluidly material.
  • The implants differ not only in terms of the material used to fill but also in the way they are inserted or placed. The saline implants are inserted in position empty and it is only once they are in place, that the salted water is filled into them.

As opposed to this, the silicone implants are pre-filled and are inserted that way. The surgery is complete once the pre-filled implants are put in position.

  • The next point of difference and consideration from between the two implant types is the consistency of the material used to fill them up. The consistency of the silicone gel (i.e. the thick, sticky gel) resembles that of the human fat. But the consistency of the saline water is lower and does not mimic the consistency of human fat.
  • While some women say that the silicone implants look and feel more like natural breasts, as per experts there is not much difference between the two. Many professionals would suggest you to take a closer look at the implant samples before deciding which implant type you want to go for.
  • Silicone breast implants are available only for women above the age of 22 years (including those who are 22 years old). Women younger than this age bar cannot get silicone implants. In this sense, saline implants are a viable option for women who are at or above 18 years of age. Now, while there is a lower limit to the age of women who could get the implants done, there does not seem to be a definite upper limit to the age.
  • The next point of consideration is the rupture. When the saline implants rupture, the effect is notice almost immediately and all of the saline solution is absorbed by the body without any harmful effects. But if a silicone implant ruptures it may not come into notice immediately because the silicone gets stuck in the body capsule/ cavity in the region. The implants will however change shape. Now again there are arguments and studies which suggest that silicone implants are harmful because there are possible side effects to the rupture and silicone being released in the body, but nothing is conclusive.

In either case, the shells of the implants have to be removed by surgery.