Saline or Silicone Implants in Nashville, Tennessee

Breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed plastic surgery procedures. When you have a breast enhancement with board certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. DeLozier or Nashville plastic surgeon Dr. Robbins, the breast implant is either filled with saline or silicone. The following describes the difference between saline and silicone as well as the advantages and disadvantages of both.

Saline

Saline is a solution made of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) in sterile water. A saline-filled breast implant consists of a silicone outer shell that is filled with sterile saline to the desired volume during breast enlargement surgery.

Advantages of Saline Implants

• Saline implants are not pre-filled and therefore a smaller incision is able to be made when inserted into the breast pocket.
• If the implant ruptures, the saline solution is safely absorbed by the body.
• Less expensive
• Available for women of all ages

Disadvantages of Saline Implants

• Not as soft or natural feeling as silicone implants
• More likely to cause the skin to ripple around the breast

Silicone

Silicone breast implants have become increasingly more popular. The implant is comprised of a silicone outer shell filled with silicone gel.

Advantages of Silicone Implants

• More natural, softer feel
• Less visible rippling
• Better for patients with thin skin

Disadvantages of Silicone Implants

• Silicone implants come pre-filled, which usually means the incision site will have to be larger and the implants are harder to adjust once they have been inserted
• If the implant ruptures (leaks), it often goes unnoticed because the breast typically does not lose shape
• More expensive than saline
• They are not available for women under the age of 22

Saline and silicone breast implants carry virtually the same risks including capsular contracture (formation of scar tissue around the implant), infection, rupture or leakage.

Our surgeons at DeLozier Robbins Plastic Surgery will help you determine the best implant for your body type. To read more about breast augmentation please click here.

Call our Nashville plastic surgery office at 615-565-9000 to schedule your personal consultation.