Breast Implants: Silicone. vs. Saline

Knowledge is power. If you’re considering breast implants, you might wonder how to choose between saline-filled and silicone gel-filled implants. Here’s help evaluating the options. What’s the difference between saline and silicone breast implants? Saline and silicone breast implants both have an outer silicone shell. The implants differ in the filler material and consistency, however.

Saline breast implants. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They’re inserted empty and then filled once they’re in place. Saline breast implants are available to women age 18 and older for breast augmentation and to women of any age for breast reconstruction. Silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel — a thick, sticky fluid that closely mimics the feel of human fat. Most women believe that silicone breast implants look and feel more like natural breast tissue. Silicone breast implants are available to women age 22 and older for breast augmentation and to women of any age for breast reconstruction.

-Mayo Clinic