Saline Breast Implants: Risks, Benefits, Maintenance & Costs

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the U.S., with thousands of women choosing it each year to enhance their confidence and body proportions. 

‍

However, one of the biggest decisions patients face is choosing between saline and silicone implants. While silicone implants are often highlighted for their natural feel, saline implants remain a reliable, FDA-approved option with their own unique advantages.

‍

That said, let’s break down everything you need to know about saline breast implants so you can make the right decision for you. 

‍

What Are Saline Breast Implants?

‍

Let’s start with the basics. Saline breast implants are silicone shells filled with sterile saltwater solution. Unlike silicone implants, which come pre-filled, saline implants are inserted empty and then filled during surgery.

‍

Some important differences between silicone implants are:

‍

• Filling Method: Saline implants are filled after they are put in, which means smaller incisions.
• Feel: Silicone usually feels smoother and more natural, while saline may feel stiffer.
• Rupture Visibility: Saline leaks are easy to spot right away since the implant deflates.
• The FDA Guidelines: Saline implants are approved for women 18 years and older. Silicone implants are approved starting at age 22.

‍

Common reasons patients choose saline:

‍

• They want smaller incisions.
• There’s a lower initial cost compared to silicone.
• And you get peace of mind knowing ruptures are easy to detect.

‍

Benefits of Saline Implants

‍

Saline implants offer various benefits, such as:

‍

• Smaller Incision Size: Surgeons can utilize shorter incisions since they fill up after insertion. This may lead to less noticeable scars.
• Adjustability: Surgeons can change the size of the implant during surgery to make it more symmetrical.
• Immediate Rupture Detection: If a saline implant leaks, it quickly deflates, so it’s easy to notice. The saltwater inside is harmless and safely absorbed by the body.
• Lower Initial Cost: Saline implants are usually less expensive than silicone implants.
• Safety: Since they are filled with sterile water, they are not dangerous if they break.

‍

Risks and Drawbacks

‍

Saline implants are safe and approved by the FDA, although they do have certain possible risks and drawbacks:

• Less Natural Feel: Saline implants may feel stiffer or less natural than silicone implants when you touch them.
• Rippling and Folds: Women with thin breast tissue are more likely to see rippling in saline implants.
• Higher Rate of Rupture/Deflation: Ruptures aren't dangerous, but they happen more often with saline implants than with silicone.
  ‍

Saline Implant Maintenance & Longevity
‍

Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Most saline implants last 10 to 15 years, though many remain intact much longer. Some signs of rupture or deflation include:

• Sudden decrease in breast size or shape.
• Noticeable asymmetry between breasts.
• And wrinkling or rippling of the breast.

When a rupture occurs, replacement surgery is needed. Fortunately, ruptures are easy to detect and replacement is straightforward. 
‍

After surgery, it’s important to:

• Keep up with regular check-ins with your surgeon.
• Remember that saline implants don’t require special imaging (silicone may need MRIs to check for hidden ruptures).
• Be prepared for possible replacement surgery in the future as part of normal implant maintenance.

‍

Cost of Saline Implants

‍

Now that we’ve gone over the basics, let’s talk about costs. The cost of breast augmentation with saline implants varies depending on the surgeon, facility and geographic region. That said, here’s the average U.S. cost breakdown:

• Saline Implants: $4,500 to $7,000.
• Silicone Implants: $5,000 to $9,000.

Saline implants usually cost about $1,000 less than silicone.

‍

Additional fees to consider:

• Surgeon’s expertise,
• Anesthesia costs,
• Facility or hospital charges,
• And post-operative garments and medications.
  
  

Wanting to learn more about the differences? Check out our Saline vs Silicone Cost blog for everything you need to know. 

‍

Are Saline Implants Right for Your Breast Augmentation?

‍

Saline implants may be a great choice if you:

• Are under 22 and want to move forward with augmentation sooner.
• Prefer the peace of mind that ruptures are easy to detect.
• Want a lower-cost option with safe and effective results.
• Have enough natural breast tissue to minimize the risk of rippling.

However, silicone implants may be better if you:

• Have thinner breast tissue and want the most natural look and feel.
• Want to minimize the risk of visible folds or rippling.
• Don’t mind the slightly higher upfront cost for long-term benefits.

‍

Let Bliss Guide You in Your Decision

‍

At Bliss, we help patients weigh the benefits and drawbacks of saline vs silicone implants so they can make an informed decision tailored to their needs. Whether you value cost, peace of mind or natural feel, we’ll guide you through every step of the journey. Fill out our quiz to get started!