Saline vs. Silicone Breast Implants: Comparing Your Options

A breast augmentation, one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures performed, can be used to increase the size and shape of existing breasts or reconstruct breast tissue that has been removed due to cancer. According to the 2023 Procedural Statistics Report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation was the second most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in the United States.¹

Breast implants can be constructed with either saline or silicone. For individuals considering undergoing breast augmentation, one of the biggest decisions can be the choice between these two types of implants. Here's information that can help you make the best decision for your procedure.

What Are Saline Breast Implants?

Saline breast implants are a combination of a medical-grade silicone shell filled to the desired volume with saline, a sterile solution of saltwater.²

Though a lighter weight than their counterparts, saline breast implants are generally firmer to the touch and less expensive than silicone breast implants.²

What Are Silicone Breast Implants?

Silicone breast implants have a silicone shell prefilled with medical-grade silicone gel.²

Perhaps because they are slightly heavier than saline breast implants, silicone implants are reported as having a more natural look and feel than saline implants.²

Sizing

The volume of an implant is measured in cubic centimeters or cc. An implant of about 200cc roughly equates to an increase of one bra cup size.³

The average implant size that most individuals choose is between 300cc to 500cc. However, both saline and silicone breast implants can come as small as 80cc and as large as 800cc.³

Those interested in breast implants can use this as a general guide to fill sizes to get their desired results:⁴

• A cup to B cup: 250 to 300cc
• A cup to C cup: 300 to 350cc
• A cup to D cup: 370 to 430cc
• B cup to C cup: 250 to 300cc
• B cup to D cup: 350 to 400cc
• B cup to DD cup: 400 to 450cc
• C cup to D cup: 300 to 350cc
• C cup to DD cup: 370 to 450cc
• C cup to E cup: 450 to 550cc

Saline breast implant sizes

Saline implants are filled after they are inserted.⁵ Due to this, saline implants will require a smaller incision than silicone implants of the same size.⁵ This also means saline implants may be desirable for those looking to get a larger implant.³ Additionally, saline implants can be adjusted on the operating table to help the surgeon achieve breast symmetry.⁵

Silicone breast implant sizes

Since silicone implants are premade, they cannot be adjusted during the procedure, and the size of the implant can impact the size of the incision needed to place the implant.⁵

Shapes

Both saline and silicone implants come in two primary implant shapes: round and teardrop.

Round implants

Round implants are circular and symmetrical and are good at providing overall bust fullness. Round breast implants are generally slightly less expensive than teardrop implants and are the most common shape of breast implants used.⁶

Teardrop implants

Teardrop implants, also known as anatomical implants or shaped implants, are designed to look like a natural breast with a slope and added fullness at the bottom. Teardrop implants can provide a more natural-looking result, especially for those without a lot of natural breast tissue.⁶

Although available in both saline and silicone, silicone teardrop implants are more common than saline teardrop implants.⁶

Textures

Both saline and silicone breast implants are made with an exterior silicone shell that can come as smooth or textured.

Smooth implants

Smooth breast implants have a thinner, smoother exterior shell that can result in the implants displaying a more natural movement and feel, similar to natural breast tissue.⁷

Textured implants

Textured breast implants have a firmer, thicker exterior shell with a surface similar to fine sandpaper. This rougher texture helps the implant adhere to the surrounding tissue and can prevent implants from shifting. This is the main reason that all teardrop-shaped implants are textured since shifting of a teardrop implant can cause undesirable results.⁷

Textured breast implants have been linked to BIA-ALCL, a rare cancer. Talk with your surgeon about the drawbacks and benefits of textured implants.⁷

Profiles

In addition to deciding between saline or silicone as well as the implant size, shape and texture, those interested in breast augmentation will also need to make a decision about the profile of the implant. The breast implant profile is the extent to which the implant projects out from the body.⁸

Two implants with the same amount of cc will look different based on the profile:⁸

• Low profile
• Moderate profile
• Moderate plus profile
• High profile
• Ultra-high profile

While both saline and silicone implants are available in a variety of profiles, the material choice can also impact the overall look of the implant. Talk with your plastic surgeon who can help provide insight into the best profiles to consider based on your body type, frame, natural breast tissue, rib cage anatomy and desired implant material.⁸

Longevity

When it comes to the longevity of breast implants, both saline and silicone breast implants can potentially rupture. While the chance of rupture increases the longer the implants have been in place, there is a low likelihood of serious health concerns from the rupture of either saline or silicone breast implants.²

Saline breast implant lifespan

In general, saline implants can last an estimated 10 to 20 years. Saline implants are more likely than silicone implants to rupture. However, if they do rupture, you will immediately know and there is a low chance of consequences as the saline from the implant will be absorbed by the body.²

Silicone breast implant lifespan

Silicone implants can last around 20 to 40 years. But if a silicone implant ruptures, the gel remains trapped under the skin and can cause soreness and unevenness in the breast. However, routine mammograms can easily detect implant rupture so it can be addressed.²

Pricing

The national average cost* of breast implants in the U.S. is $7,149, with a range from $5,100 to $18,465 depending on the type of augmentation.⁹

Average cost of breast implants by state/district

The price for breast implants can vary depending on your geographic location. Below is a breakdown of the average cost* of breast implants by all 50 states and the District of Columbia.⁹

The overall cost of breast implants can be impacted by the surgeon’s experience, facility fees, preoperative appointments, postsurgery garments, prescriptions and anesthesia.⁹

Pros and Cons

Both saline and silicone breast implants offer their own benefits and considerations for anyone considering getting a breast augmentation.

Saline implant benefits

Saline breast implants have several advantages over silicone implants:⁵

• Available for those 18 years and older
• Easier rupture detection than silicone
• Filled during surgery, allowing for customizable symmetry
• Lower chance of rupture complications
• Potential for smaller incisions, especially for larger implants
• Slightly less expensive than silicone

Silicone implant benefits

Silicone breast implants offer several advantages over saline breast implants:⁵

• Better for those with less natural breast tissue
• Currently the popular choice for breast implants¹⁰
• More natural look than saline implants
• More natural movement than saline implants
• Usually longer lasting than saline implants

Saline implant considerations

Saline breast implants also have potential downsides to consider:⁵

• Higher chance of downward displacement compared to silicone implants
• Higher chance of rippling
• Immediate deflation creates a visibly noticeable rupture
• Less natural results for those with limited natural breast tissue

Silicone implant considerations

Silicone breast implants also have less desirable factors that should be considered:⁵

• Available in premade sizes so can’t be adjusted during surgery
• Only available for those 22 years and older
• Silent rupture only detectable by MRI
• Slightly more expensive than saline implants

For those considering breast augmentation, the decision between saline or silicone breast implants is an important choice to make. However, it isn’t the only decision. After deciding on saline or silicone, potential breast augmentation patients will also need to consider implant size, shape, texture and profile — all of which can impact the result.

Be sure to discuss your desired goals with your plastic surgeon who can provide insight on what type, size, shape, texture and profile of breast implant can best help you achieve your final results.

Financing Breast Implants With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for breast implants and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.