When I meet a new patient who is considering Breast Implants, a common question is “Which is better, saline vs silicone?”. Click on the link above to see information from Mentor, one of the two implant manufacturers. It’s a nice, concise list and may help. In my opinion, and I am biased towards the gel/silicone implants, the differences between the two devices are cost, feel, placement options and deflation detection. Gel implants cost more, almost twice as much, and this is purely the implant cost. Gel feels better/more natural in my opinion. They wrinkle and ripple less than saline and for a smaller breasted, slender woman that is an issue. Gel can be placed above or below the muscle depending on a woman’s starting point, though I prefer going below the muscle. Finally, if a saline implant leaks you get a ‘flat tire’ so detection is rather simple. If a gel implant fails, the breast will look the same so detection is more difficult and may require an MRI. Overall the ratio of gel to saline being used nationally is about 75:25. Ultimately, the best choice is the implant that the patient is most comfortable with.

Lee E. Corbett, MD

Medical Director Corbett Cosmetic Aesthetic Surgery and MediSpa