Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are the most commonly-used implants in the United States. The breast implant shell is made of silicone, which is a type of rubber. It is then filled with a sterile saline (salt water) solution.

Types of Saline Breast Implants
There are 3 types of saline breast implants:

1. A breast implant that is filled with a fixed volume of saline during the breast augmentation procedure. No saline volume changes can be made after the surgery

2. A breast implant that is filled to the desired size during the breast enhancement procedure, but allows for adjustment of saline volume after the surgery


3. A breast implant that is pre-filled by the manufacturer with a fixed volume of saline.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Saline Breast Implants
One advantage of having saline breast implants over silicone breast implants is that if a saline implant ruptures, the saline will dissolve into the body. Some of the disadvantages of saline breast implants is that they are more likely to ripple, and they may not appear as natural on women with small breasts or women who are undergoing breast reconstruction.

Breast Implant Facts
There are some things you need to consider before having breast augmentation surgery. These include the following:

• Many breast changes are permanent. If you decide to have your breast implants removed, you may experience dimpling, wrinkling, puckering, or other cosmetic changes to your breast.
• Breast implants do not last forever. You may need to have them removed or replaced.
• Breast implants may affect your ability to nurse your children.
• Breast implants can interfere with routine mammography screenings.
• If you undergo breast enlargement surgery for cosmetic reasons, your health insurance premiums may increase, or your coverage may be dropped or denied. Complications related to breast implants may not be covered. Check with your insurance company before undergoing breast augmentation, or any other type of cosmetic surgery.

Discuss your breast implant options, and the risks and benefits of each type of implant, with your plastic surgeon during your breast augmentation pre-surgical consultation. To find a board certified plastic surgeon near you, use our Plastic Surgeon Locator.

Breast Implant Topics:
Breast Implant Overview | Breast Implant Information | Breast Implant Shapes and Textures | Breast Implant Sizes | Silicone Breast Implant Safety | Choosing Breast Implants | Breast Implant Capsular Contracture | Breast Implant FAQ | Breast Implant Types | Saline Breast Implants | Silicone Breast Implants | Gummy Bear Breast Implants | Manufacturers | Sex Reassignment Breast implant