Saline vs. Silicone

Breast augmentation surgery (also known as breast enlargement) increases the size of the breasts through the insertion of saline or silicone implants.

Almost two decades after it was banned from use for cosmetic breast augmentation, the silicone gel implant has bounced back stronger than ever.

However, despite it’s resurgence, silicone gel implants still carry a stigma associated with the misconception of causing cancer and autoimmune diseases.

As a matter of fact, a large number of my patients still come to my office and immediately tell me that they definitely want saline implants, because they think it’s safer…. Well, that’s not altogether true.

As a quick background, in 2006, the Food and Drug Administration concluded it’s intense and lengthy review of silicone implants, determining that no connection could be drawn between the implants and some of the serious health risks that had been falsely tied to them in the early ‘90s. There simply was no proof of any cause-and-effect relationship between ruptured silicone gel implants and autoimmune illnesses. As a result, silicone gel, which was still widely used for reconstructive breast surgery, was formally re-approved for use in traditional cosmetic breast enhancement procedures.

Having said all this, as a plastic surgeon, it is still my job to educate my patients and explain the risks and benefits of both options and let them decide with a better understanding and a good knowledge base before they undergo this or any kind of surgery.

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As for the debate between saline and silicone implants, the jury is still not out as to which is the “perfect” product. Like any great debate, the sides are drawn pretty equally, and both options have their strong benefits. To help simplify the differences a bit for you, this is how the implant argument typically breaks down:

Saline Breast Implants Pros:

• Considerably cheaper than silicone breast implants
• Smaller incisions, less scarring
• Proven safety track record

Silicone Gel Implants Pros:

• More natural shape, appearance
• Less visible rippling
• More natural simulation of the feel of natural breast tissue

Yes, I know I haven’t given you a straight answer to the question of this “great debate”… That is because there is NO definite answer.

I like to make the comparison of between a Honda and a Mercedes. They’re both great automobiles, and they both get the job done! But, in my opinion, one is simply a better product.

To that end, saline implants are excellent and they can look extremely natural. But, in my opinion, if finances were not a factor…. I feel that silicone gel implants (although not “perfect”)… are simply a better product!

Contact Breast Implant Surgeon Dr. Firouz

Dr. Jimmy Firouz is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills with extensive knowledge of breast augmentation surgery. Dr. Firouz aims to provide each patient with a unique and goal-oriented procedure, making sure that they are happy with their results. If you’d like to know more about the surgical process or if you’d be a good candidate, contact Dr. Firouz today to schedule your initial consultation by calling (310) 274-4321.