Difference between Saline and Silicone Breast Implants

Whether saline or silicone breast implants are best for breast augmentation is a continuing discussion. While some plastic surgeons see more benefits of the saline implant versus the silicone implant, the opposite is true also. Even though both forms provide a variety of sizes from which to choose and have excellent safety records, the final decision is up to you and the recommendation of your plastic surgeon. Your professional New York City plastic surgeon, Dr. Aviva Preminger of Preminger Plastic Surgery, shares the differences between saline and silicone breast implants to help you make an educated decision about which to use for your breast augmentation.

Saline Breast Implants

In the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon on the Upper East Side of Manhattan like Dr. Preminger, saline implants can look and feel natural. As a lower expense breast augmentation procedure, saline implants can provide the same result at a few hundred dollars less than silicone implants. Although price should not dictate your choice of implants. Patients who achieve excellent results with saline implants are those who have an excess amount of breast tissue to prevent the implant from rippling. Overfilling the implant can reduce the amount of rippling, but the result is a firmer feel to your breast.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved saline implants for patients 18 years old or older. Saline implants do not require regular monitoring with an MRI scan to ensure the implant remains intact. Dr. Preminger, a board-certified New York City plastic surgeon, advises that if a rupture occurs with a saline implant resulting in a leak, your body would naturally absorb the solution.

Silicone Breast Implants

Just as with saline, silicone implants can provide a natural shape and feel. Patients from a leading breast augmentation surgeon on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Dr. Preminger, often choose silicone implants to give more of a natural look because of the silicone’s consistency. Also, silicone implants are the closest natural feeling breast implants as they mimic the feel of a natural breast. With silicone implants, you have more options for shapes and sizes that are form-stable and maintain their shape to sustain an attractive and natural profile.

Silicone breast implants are typically for patients over the age of 22. The drawback of silicone breast implants is the FDA recommendation for patients to schedule a routine MRI scan of your augmentation every two to three years to monitor for possible ruptures. Dr. Preminger recommends discussing your health needs as to whether you should get routine MRIs of your breast implants. In the event a rupture is found, swift treatment can minimize your health risks.

Breast Implants in Upper East Side of Manhattan, and New York City, NY

Based on national plastic surgery statistics, approximately 70% of women choose silicone implants over saline implants. In the same resource, over 90% of patients said they are happy with the results and would recommend breast augmentation to others. However, the ultimate decision is up to you and the recommendation of your ivy-educated plastic surgeon in New York City, Dr. Aviva Preminger. During your consultation, you can discuss which implant option is best for you based on your goals, feelings, and physique. If you’d like to explore more facts about breast implants or learn if breast implants in Manhattan are safe, schedule a consultation with Dr. Preminger by calling (212) 706-1900 or request a telehealth consultation online for your appointment.