Breast augmentation is a highly popular form of breast enhancement. While some patients opt for fat transfer, patients who are looking for a more significant enhancement benefit most from receiving either silicone or saline implants. When first learning about breast implants, it might be tricky to determine which is the best type for you.

While both options have been used for decades and can provide excellent results when performed by a qualified surgeon, silicone implants have steadily risen in popularity in recent years, surpassing saline implants. (2) In this guide, we will review some of the reasons why.

With practices in Beverly Hills and Newport Beach, Dr. Michael J. Yoo and his staff have established themselves as an elite practice for breast enhancement. Dr. Yoo is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for delivering refined, natural-looking breast enhancements that prioritize safety, proportion, and confidence, and he gives patients customized recommendations based on their goals, anatomy, and aesthetic vision.

If you are considering breast augmentation and want expert insight to guide your implant selection, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Yoo. You can reach our Beverly Hills office at (424) 209-9925 or our Newport Beach office at (949) 861-3340. You can also contact either office online.

Virtual consultations are available for those who are unable to meet in person.

About Breast Implants

Breast implants are medical devices used to enhance breast volume, shape, or symmetry. Dr. Yoo can place breast implants for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons. He places them through a small, discreet incision, typically either under the breast fold or around the areola. (3) He can place them above or below the chest muscle, depending on the anatomy and goals of the patient.

About Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the texture and weight of natural breast tissue. Patients often describe silicone implants as softer, more natural-feeling, and more lifelike in comparison to saline. The silicone gel is designed to retain its shape even if the shell is damaged.

These implants come in a variety of shapes and firmness levels, allowing for greater customization during surgery. Silicone is particularly well-suited for women with smaller frames or less breast tissue because they are less likely to cause visible rippling. (4)

About Saline Implants

Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution after being placed into the body. This allows for smaller incisions and slight adjustments in volume during surgery. (5) In the event of a rupture, the saline solution is harmlessly absorbed by the body, meaning leaks are easy to detect due to visible deflation.

Although saline implants are effective and still widely used, they tend to feel firmer and may not offer the same natural appearance as silicone. Rippling or wrinkling may also be more noticeable under the skin, particularly in patients with thinner breast tissue. Still, saline implants remain a better option for some patients. (6)

Silicone vs. Saline Implants: A Direct Comparison

Silicone and saline implants come with their own unique benefits. When selecting the right implant, we encourage patients to consider the following:

  • Feel and Appearance: Silicone implants are often thought to offer a more natural look and feel. Saline implants may appear less natural in lean individuals.
  • Rupture Detection: Saline implants noticeably deflate if they rupture, while silicone ruptures can be “silent,” requiring imaging such as MRI or ultrasound to detect.
  • Incision Size: Saline implants are inserted empty and filled after placement, which allows for smaller incisions. Silicone implants are pre-filled, requiring slightly larger incisions.
  • Cost: Saline implants are typically less expensive due to their different fill material.
  • Rippling and Wrinkling: Silicone implants are less prone to visible rippling, especially in patients with thin skin or low body fat.

For most patients, the feel and aesthetic outcomes are the deciding factors. As techniques continue to evolve, silicone implants have grown in popularity due to their ability to provide more natural-looking results that align with modern beauty standards. If you are unsure which implant type is right for you, Dr. Yoo will explain the pros and cons of each during your consultation. His goal is to help you choose the best implant for your body, lifestyle, and long-term satisfaction.

Personal Consultation

The first step in breast augmentation is a personal consultation with Dr. Yoo. During this one-on-one meeting, Dr. Yoo will take time to understand your goals, assess your anatomy, and explain the differences between silicone and saline implants in detail. He will evaluate your breast tissue, skin elasticity, chest dimensions, and lifestyle preferences before recommending the best approach. By the end of your consultation, you will have a clear understanding of your implant options and your results. Whether you are leaning toward silicone, saline, or simply want to learn more, Dr. Yoo will help you navigate the decision with clarity and confidence.

To schedule your consultation, contact our office online or call one of our two locations directly: Beverly Hills at (424) 209-9925 or Newport Beach at (949) 861-3340.

Results

Recovery and results are similar for both silicone and saline implants. You will notice an immediate improvement in breast volume and shape after surgery, with your final results becoming more refined as swelling subsides and tissues settle.

Both implant types can deliver beautiful, natural-looking outcomes when placed by a skilled surgeon such as Dr. Yoo. However, silicone implants often maintain their shape and feel over a longer period, contributing to their growing popularity among patients seeking durable, natural results.

Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices and will need replacement at some point. On average, implants last about 10 to 15 years before replacement is recommended, though some patients may require earlier revision, while others may safely enjoy their results for longer.

Cost of Silicone and Saline Implants in Los Angeles

The cost of silicone breast implants varies based on the complexity of your procedure, the type of implant selected, and any additional treatments performed. Silicone implants are generally more expensive than saline, but many patients find the enhanced feel and appearance worth the investment. Dr. Yoo will provide a detailed quote after your consultation that includes surgical fees, anesthesia, facility use, and post-operative care.

Schedule your consultation online today to explore which implant type is best for you. If you have any questions, please call our Beverly Hills or Newport Beach offices at (424) 209-9925 or (949) 861-3340, respectively.

FAQ

What makes silicone implants feel more natural than saline?

Silicone gel closely mimics the consistency of natural breast tissue, creating a softer and more lifelike feel.

How long do silicone implants last?

While not considered lifetime devices, silicone implants can last 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care and monitoring.

Can I still breastfeed after getting silicone implants?

In most cases, yes. Dr. Yoo will use techniques that preserve the milk ducts and allow for future breastfeeding.

Do silicone implants increase cancer risk?

There is no proven link between silicone implants and breast cancer. Dr. Yoo will discuss any concerns during your consultation.

How do I know if my silicone implant has ruptured?

Because ruptures can be silent, routine MRI or ultrasound imaging is recommended to detect any changes in the implant.

Will my breast implant scars be noticeable?

Dr. Yoo places incisions in discreet locations such as the breast fold, allowing scars to remain hidden beneath most clothing and swimwear. Can I switch from saline to silicone implants? Yes. Many patients choose to replace their saline implants with silicone for improved feel and appearance. Dr. Yoo can perform this as a revision surgery.

How do I prepare for my breast augmentation consultation?

Come with questions, bring photos for inspiration if desired, and be prepared to discuss your medical history and cosmetic goals.

References

  1. Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/
  2. Peterson MN, Giblon RE, Achenbach SJ, Davis JM, TerKonda SP, Crowson CS. The Incidence and Outcomes of Breast Implants Among 1696 Women over more than 50 Years. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Published online August 14, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-023-03535-4
  3. Perry D, Frame J. The history and development of breast implants. The Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England. 2020;102(7):478-482. doi:https://doi.org/10.1308/rcsann.2020.0003
  4. Swanson E. Prospective Study of Saline versus Silicone Gel Implants for Subpectoral Breast Augmentation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2020;Publish Ahead of Print. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000002882
  5. Kaoutzanis C, Winocour J, Unger J, Gabriel A, Maxwell GP. The Evolution of Breast Implants. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2019;33(04):217-223. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0039-1696985
  6. Siotos C, Sarmiento S, McColl M, et al. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Silicone versus Saline Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction Using the BREAST-Q. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. 2019;143(2):276e284e. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000005194

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