Silicone vs. Saline Breast Implants

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When considering breast augmentation, one of the most crucial decisions is the type of implant to choose. Knowing the best size and shape of the implant is one thing, but how about the best type?

In the UK, the two primary options for type of implant are silicone and saline breast implants. Each type has its unique properties, advantages, and potential drawbacks. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your aesthetic goals and lifestyle.

What are Silicone Breast Implants?

Silicone breast implants are filled with a silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. They are the most common choice of implants in the UK

Pros of Silicone Breast Implants

Natural Feel and Appearance – Silicone implants are known for their ability to provide a more natural feel and look in comparison to saline implants. The gel consistency mimics the softness of natural breast tissue.
Lower Risk of Rippling – The thicker gel in silicone implants tends to be less prone to rippling. This is where the edges of the breast implant create visible wrinkles under the skin.
Long-lasting – Silicone implants generally have a longer lifespan than saline implants, often lasting 10-20 years before requiring removal or replacement.

Cons of Silicone Breast Implants

Cost – Silicone implants are typically more expensive than saline implants due to the more complex manufacturing process.
Silent Rupture – If a silicone implant ruptures, the gel may stay within the implant shell or leak into the breast implant pocket. This can be difficult to detect without an MRI or ultrasound.
Surgical Considerations – It has been noted that silicone implants require a slightly larger incision for placement however at The Private Clinic, our surgeons are experts in implant placement and our breast implant incisions are often between 3-5cm.

What are Saline Breast Implants?

Saline breast implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution. They are typically inserted empty into the breast. During the procedure, the sterile salt water is poured into the empty silicone outer shell.

Pros of Saline Breast Implants

Safety – If the implant was to rupture, the body can naturally absorb the saline solution, which poses no health risk.
Adjustable Size – During surgery, the implant can be filled to the desired volume, offering flexibility in achieving the precise size and symmetry to the breasts.
Smaller Incisions – Saline implants are inserted empty and filled once in place, allowing for smaller incisions.

Cons of Saline Breast Implants

Less Natural Feel – Saline implants tend to be firmer and are not known to feel as natural as silicone implants. They are also more prone to wrinkling and rippling.
Higher Risk of Complications – Studies have shown a slightly higher rate of complications, such as capsular contracture (scar tissue formation around the implant), with saline implants compared to silicone.
Potential for Deflation – Saline implants often deflate if they rupture which causes an instant and noticeable change in breast size and shape.

Which Implant type is best?

Choosing between silicone and saline breast implants will ultimately depend on your personal preferences, body type, and desired outcome.

It’s essential to have a thorough consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon who specialises in breast surgery to discuss your goals and concerns. Your surgeon will provide expert guidance on the most suitable implant type based on your individual anatomy and aesthetic aspirations.

At The Private Clinic, our surgeons tend to only use silicone implants. This is because they achieve a more natural look and feel to the breast which is what many patients want. They also have a great range of customisation from implant shape, size and profile along with the placement which can help to reduce the risk of rippling, wrinkling and folding.

We also want to reduce the risk of capsular contracture where possible and choosing silicone implants can do this.

Why choose The Private Clinic for Breast Implant Surgery?

The Private Clinic has been treating patients for over 40 years with thousands of women placing their trust in us each year.
Top UK specialised best breast surgeons with decades of experience.
State-of-the-art hospital facilities
Giving you the best possible results and care is our priority.
Dedicated care with your expert breast surgeon and nursing team, and a 24-hour helpline
Rated Excellent on TrustPilot with other 1000 5 star reviews
All breast implant options are discussed not just one type.

Useful Links

See our before and after photo breast implant results gallery
Read our extensive Breast Augmentation FAQs
Find out more in our informative breast enlargement blogs
Watch our Breast Enlargement Patient Journey video series with Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Mr Adrian Richards

Our Expert Breast Surgeons

Mr Adrian Richards, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, MBBS, MSc, FRCS (Plast.), GMC Number: 3286812
Mr Davood Fallahdar, MD&Surg (Hons), FRCS (Eng), Chir Plast (Hons), MicroSurg (Hons), ORL (H&N) GMC Number: 4686602
Mr Adel Fattah, BSc (Hons), PhD, MB BChir, FRCS (Plast). GMC Number: 4764599
Mr Dario Rochira, BS, MD. GMC Number : 6130664
Mr Navid Jallali, BSc, MB ChB (Hons), MD FRCS (Plast). GMC Number: 4404969
Ms Helena Antoniadou, MBBS, MD & Surg (Hons), FRCS (Eng). GMC Number: 3700956
Mr Maisam Fazel, MA(Cantab), MB BChir, MSEd, FRCS. GMC Number : 4767420
Mr Giuseppe Di Taranto, MD. GMC Number: 7614248
Sandip Hindocha – Consultant Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon, MD, MPhil, MBChB, MRCS, MFFLM, FRCS (Plast). GMC Number: 6122218
Ms Rieka Taghizadeh, MBChb, MRCS (Glas), FRCS (Plast), GMC Number: 4743910
Mr Waseem Bhat, MD, MA, MRCS, MSc, FRCS, Dipl Hand Surgeon, GMC Number: 6070768
Mr George Samouris, MD. GMC Number: 7064009