Saline and silicone implants both have advantages, and both types if implants can and do produce excellent breast augmentation results. Lately there have been a few restrictions concerning silicone plants, therefore saline implants are the only option for certain women. Silicone implants are widely used for reconstructive purposes while undergoing augmentation procedures – breast reconstruction, difference in sizes or the need for a breast lift at the same time.

Saline implants

A saline implant feels like a balloon filled with water. They have a more natural look and feel. Its out side is constructed with several layers of silicone rubber that is similar to breast tissue and also includes a valve. Some implants are filled to their capacity by a disposable tube that ruins from a bag of saline to the implant. When the tube is withdrawn the valve seals automatically.

Implants come in various sizes ranging from 150cc (cubic centimeters) to approximately 700cc.

Here are some facts about saline implants:

Cost:

BREAST AUGMENTATION*
Cost Range: $5,000-$10,000  (£3000 - £6000)

Average Total Cost : $7,100  (£4300)
Surgeons fee: $4,000 (£2500)
Anesthesiologist: $800 (£500)
Facility fee: $1,000 (£600)
Implant fee: $1,300 (£700)


RELATED FEES**
Breast augmentation (saline) $3,600  (£2200)
Breast augmentation (silicone) $4,600 (£2800)
Breast implant removal (Breast Augmentation patients only) $2,319 (£1400)
Breast lifts $4,220 (£2600)

*Fees generally vary according to region of country and patient needs.
**These fees are averages only. Fees do not include anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses. Source: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/

Feel: Saline implants can feel somewhat less soft and feel less natural than silicone gel implants.

Wrinkling: In many augmentated breasts, saline implants can be felt at the bottom or along the lower sides as an edge or as slight wrinkles. This effect is normal.

Silicone Gel Implants   

Silicone Gel implants have a shell made of several layers of silicone rubber.

In prior generations of silicone implants, the wall or covering of implants was weaker and more porous. The silicone within the implants was runnier, and small amounts of the silicone would bleed through the implant walls.

The silicone now used in gel implants is semi-solid. Reduced silicone bleed has probably resulted in reduced capsule formation.

Important facts about silicone gel implants:

They cost twice as much as saline implants.

They feel softer and more natural than saline implants.

Silicone implants can develop wrinkling.

They came in a set of sizes and no micro adjustment can be made. If size variations can’t be made corrected some slight asymmetry in breast size will remain.