Saline Breast Implants

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are made of an elastomer filled with salt water (saline) and are one of the two major types of implants used in the plastic surgery procedure known as breast augmentation or breast implants. Saline implants are very popular among women in the United States and have several advantages as well as set backs to their counterpart silicone gel implants. Since saline is a natural substance, in the case of a rupture, you are immediately aware. The saline unlike silicone gel will get absorbed naturally by the body causing a flat tire or deflated appearance to whichever breast is affected. This allows for quick detection and replacement. In addition to being made of a natural substance, saline breast implants can be inflated after they inserted into the body. This allows for smaller cuts and in turn less noticeable scars. The periareolar incision (around the nipple) and the transaxiallay incision (through the armpit) are the most common incisions that a surgeon will make when using saline implants. The downside of saline implants is that they provide a less realistic feel then do silicone implants. They also are more fragile due to their softer texture which causes a greater risk of rupture and deflation. The cost of saline breast implants is significantly lower though, usually coming in around $1,000 less than silicone implants on average.

For More Information see the Breast Implant General Information Page.

For Answers to Frequently Asked Questions see the the FAQ Page for Breast Implants