What’s the difference between saline and silicone breast implants?
Saline and silicone breast implants both have an outer silicone shell. The implants differ in material and consistency, however.

# Saline breast implants : Saline implants are filled with saline, usually at the time of surgery. Saline implants have been criticized for feeling hard or unnatural, but improved surgical techniques — such as placing the implant behind the chest muscle and slightly overfilling it — have lessened these complaints. Saline breast implants are available to women age 18 and older for breast augmentation, or women of any age for breast reconstruction.
# Silicone breast implants: Silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel — a thick, sticky fluid that closely mimics the feel of human fat. Some women feel that silicone breast implants look and feel more like natural breast tissue. Silicone breast implants are available to women age 22 and older for breast augmentation, or women of any age for breast reconstruction

What are the risks of breast implants?

Saline and silicone breast implants pose similar risks, including:

* Breast pain
* Potentially permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation
* Infection
* Scar tissue that distorts the shape of the breast implant
* Implant leakage or rupture
* Need for additional breast surgery

What happens if an implant ruptures?
If a saline breast implant ruptures, the implant will deflate — causing the affected breast to change in size and shape. The leaking saline solution will be absorbed by your body without posing any health risks, but you’ll probably need surgery to remove the silicone shell. A new implant can likely be inserted at the same time.

If a silicone breast implant ruptures, you may not notice right away — or ever. There’s no evidence that leaking silicone gel causes serious, long-term health problems — such as breast cancer or connective tissue diseases — but a ruptured silicone breast implant may eventually cause breast pain or changes in the contour or shape of the breast. If this happens, you’ll need surgery to remove the ruptured implant. A new implant can likely be inserted at the same time.
Both saline and silicone breast implants are considered safe for breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. Long-term follow-up studies — in which researchers will look for evidence of continued safety and effectiveness of saline and silicone breast implants — are ongoing.

What’s the bottom line?

Based on your body type, your surgeon may recommend one type of implant over another for optimal cosmetic results. Either type of breast implant is safe, however. Ultimately, the choice between saline and silicone is up to you.

Source: Mayo Clinic