You’ve come to the first fork in the road: saline or silicone?

What’s the difference between the breast implant types you may be asking?

Both saline and silicone breast implants are made from a silicone shell. It’s what’s inside that counts. Aw, how sweet.

Saline implants are silicone shells filled with a sterile, saline solution. While silicone implants are silicone shells filled with, you guessed it, silicone!

At Amelia Aesthetics, silicone implants are more popular these days, but saline is still an option so let’s talk more about the difference between the two types of breast implants. 

Let us introduce you to the saline breast implant.

As we mentioned, the main difference between saline and silicone implants is the filling.

Saline implants are filled with a sterile saline solution, just like you would find in an IV bag, and are filled by your plastic surgeon during the procedure to your desired implant size. 

They tend to feel firmer to the touch, which is one of the reasons why their silicone counterparts have won the popularity contest in recent years. 

Saline implants are also more prone to rippling, implant visibility through the skin, and implant rupture. 

How do you know your saline implant has ruptured? 

It’ll be pretty obvious to tell you the truth. One moment your breast is full and the next you’ve got a flat tire so to speak. 

An implant rupture, though unfortunate aesthetically, isn’t a medical emergency.

One of the biggest advantages of saline implants is that in the event of an implant rupture, the saline solution will be absorbed by your body. 

A ruptured implant can be fixed with a revision to exchange the ruptured breast implant for a new one (some breast implant brands even offer a warranty to cover ruptures).

Breast implant exchanges are typically less invasive with a shorter, easier recovery than the original breast augmentation.

In some cases, a patient may not even have to go under anesthesia for their implant exchange (learn more about breast implant exchanges and breast augmentation risks in the Bustmob Academy app).

Who doesn’t love gummy bears?

We’re not talking about movie snacks here. We’re talking about silicone implants, also endearingly nicknamed, “gummy bear implants.”

Silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel that holds its shape, even when cut in half, hence the name, “gummy bear breast implant.” 

They’ve become increasingly popular due to their durability and natural feel.

In addition to looking and feeling more like natural breast tissue (who doesn’t love the sound of that), they also have a lower risk of rippling and rupture. 

Gummy bear implants have also been known to last longer than saline implants, with an average lifespan of 15-20 years.

Starting to see why more and more women are opting for the gummy bear? 

So, how do you choose?

Ultimately, the best type of implant for you will depend on your individual goals and could also vary depending on the other implant details you'll choose along the way like:

• Implant Size
• Implant Placement
• Implant Shape
• Textured vs. Smooth  

During your consultation with your plastic surgeon, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about the types of implants and even touch and feel each of the different types for yourself. 

Your surgeon will walk you through the unique risks and benefits of both saline and silicone implants.

However, it’s best to do your homework and learn the basics before your consultation (have we mentioned the Bustmob Academy app?).

The more you know about the basics, the more time you’ll have with your plastic surgeon to focus on the surgical plan that suits your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

See what saline and/or silicone look like in real life. 

Another great resource and guide to choosing your implant type is the Bustmob GoalFinder.

With over 5,000 (and counting) plastic surgery after photos, you can see what silicone and saline implants look like on a frame that is similar to yours.

Search and filter by height, weight, implant size, and type.

Save your favorites to a personal collection to keep your goal photos organized for your consultation.

Connect with women who get it. 

Chatting with other women who have or are getting breast implants is a great way to get insight into the pros and cons of each implant type.

The online Bustmob Community has over 40,000 members who support each other, ask questions, and share their plastic surgery stories and experiences.

Learning more about what implant types people choose and why can help guide you as you decide what implant is best for you.

Found this helpful, but want more? 

Good news! This is just one of hundreds of fun, factual videos on the Bustmob Academy app to make your plastic surgery research easy.

From commonly told myths and FAQs, to recovery time and costs, Jenny Eden, founder of Bustmob, and Gretta Nance, lead educator at Amelia Aesthetics, break down your plastic surgery research into bite-size, binge-able pieces. 

Pair the Bustmob Academy app with Jenny’s 15-Day Texting Series and you are well on your way to being empowered and educated before you even set foot in your consultation.