Saline Implants vs. Silicone Implants

Breast augmentation is a procedure that utilizes implants to enhance or improve the size and shape of the breasts. This procedure was the country’s second most popular cosmetic body procedure in 2023 and has remained one of the most popular and widely performed since 2006. ⁽¹⁾ Alyson Wells, M.D., F.A.C.S. is the owner and medical director of Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi-Spa here in Cockeysville, Maryland. Dr. Alyson Wells is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist with an unwavering record and reputation for being a leader throughout her academic and professional career. Dr. Wells serves as the Chief of Plastic Surgery at Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) and is the first woman to be appointed as a division chief within GBMC’s Department of Surgery.

To schedule your consultation and learn more about the types of breast implants we offer, please call our Baltimore County office at (410) 628-8200 or contact us online, and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.

About Saline and Silicone Implants

During breast augmentation, many women will face a tough decision on what type of breast implant may suit them best. Breast implants are commonly measured in cubic centimeters (cc) with implant sizes ranging from 100-800cc. Most patients choose a size ranging from 150-300cc. Breast implants can range in materials, textures, shapes, and sizes, offering an option for each patient, no matter what the desired end result is.

Saline and silicone are the two primary types of breast implants available during breast augmentation procedures. Saline implants consist of a biocompatible silicone shell filled with a sterile saltwater solution, while silicone implants consist of a silicone shell filled with a cohesive silicone gel. Both implants offer unique benefits for each patient alongside stunning results.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Wells, please call our Baltimore office at (410) 628-8200 or contact us online, and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.

Textured vs. Smooth Implants

There are a variety of different types of breast implants available to help patients reshape their breasts. These implants are commonly composed of silicone or saline and offer stunning, natural-looking results and unique benefits for each individual, no matter the size or ideal outcome.

Breast implants can be either textured or smooth. Textured implants are designed with a thicker shell and rough surface to help reduce the risk of the implant shifting in the breast. When placed in front of the muscle (subglandular placement), textured implants also lower the risk of capsular contracture–a condition that leads to the formation of hardened scar tissue around the implant. ⁽²⁾

To speak to a member of our team about whether smooth or textured implants are best for you, please call (410) 628-8200 or contact us online.

Saline Implants

Saline implants are commonly used in a breast augmentation procedure and are known to provide a fuller, firmer appearance in the body. Saline implants are composed of a silicone shell filled with a sterile saltwater solution and are approved by the FDA for women ages 18 years and older. ⁽³⁾ These implants are more prone to visible rippling in patients that have less or thinner breast tissue. These implants have a firmer feel overall and are inflated after your surgeon places them into the breast pocket. Since saline implants are filled after your surgeon inserts them, Dr. Wells can perform the procedure with a smaller incision. These implants do not require patients to attend an MRI screening or follow-up appointment to detect any potential ruptures.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are known for their ability to replicate the feeling of natural breast tissue. These implants are composed of a silicone shell filled with a cohesive silicone gel, creating a natural-looking appearance that mimics natural breast tissue. Silicone implants are FDA-approved for women over the age of 22. These implants often require a larger incision than saline implants, but they are less prone to visual rippling in patients with thinner or less breast tissue. These implants are available in both round and teardrop-shaped profiles. ⁽³⁾

Gummy Bear Implants

Gummy bear implants are a subset of shaped silicone implants that have an added level of durability and cohesiveness to mimic the feel and shape of breast tissue. The implants replicate the natural look and slope of the breast and minimize the risk of rippling, making them an ideal option for thinner patients. The cohesive gummy bear gel filling is slightly firmer than other silicone gels and is designed to maintain its structure, even if the implant ruptures.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Wells, please call our Baltimore office at (410) 628-8200 or contact us online, and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.

Benefits of Breast Implants

There are many benefits to receiving breast implants. Many women opt for breast implants to help restore the shape and volume of the breasts, address soft tissue irregularities, and restructure the breasts after a mastectomy. These implants are well-known for their ability to improve each patient’s quality of life and lead to an increased sense of self-confidence.

To learn more about how breast implants can benefit you, please call our Baltimore office at (410) 628-8200 or contact us online, and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.

Ideal Candidates for Silicone or Saline Implants

Ideal candidates for breast implants are generally women who are unsatisfied with the shape and size of their breasts and are interested in improving the symmetry of their breasts as well as enhancing their overall appearance. Suitable candidates interested in a breast augmentation procedure are in good health overall and free of any underlying medical conditions that could impair the healing process. If applicable, patients should be prepared to quit smoking a few weeks prior to the procedure and refrain from tobacco and nicotine until fully healed.

To determine whether you are an eligible candidate for breast implants, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Wells at our Baltimore office by calling (410) 628-8200 or contacting us online.

Personal Consultation

At Valley Plastic Surgery and Medi-Spa, we ask that each patient schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Wells before their procedure. The consultation is a chance for our team to get to know each patient on a deeper level while also learning more about the motivations and goals behind the appointment. This allows us to tailor each aspect of the procedure, helping our patients achieve their aesthetic goals. Dr. Wells can also recommend additional treatments to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. After Dr. Wells establishes a treatment plan, we can discuss the full cost of the procedure and any necessary preparation and recovery instructions. To learn more about additional breast enhancement procedures, please read our blog!

To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Wells, please call our office at (410) 628-8200 or contact us online, and a member of our team will contact you as soon as possible.

Breast Implant Insertion

The implant insertion process begins with the administration of anesthesia to the treatment area. This ensures that each patient feels as comfortable as possible before the start of their procedure. Dr. Wells can make an incision:

Dr. Wells will create a pocket above or below the pectoral muscle–these placements are also referred to as subglandular and submuscular, respectively. If you receive saline implants, Dr. Wells will fill the implant with a saline solution before closing the incisions. The procedure can last between 1-2 hours, depending on your specific treatment plan.

Cost of Breast Implants in Baltimore, Maryland

The cost of breast implants depends on several factors, as each part of the process is fully tailored to the patient. Valley Plastic Surgery is proud to offer Mentor implants exclusively, the leading manufacturer of implants in the country. Once Dr. Wells better understands your aesthetic goals, we can provide an all-inclusive quote during your consultation. She will then establish a customized treatment plan.

To unlock the full cost of your breast augmentation procedure, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Wells at our Baltimore office by calling (410) 628-8200 or contacting us online.

FAQ

References

1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
2. Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/
3. Vorstenbosch J, McCarthy CM, Shamsunder MG, et al. Smooth versus Textured Implant Breast Reconstruction: Patient-Reported Outcomes and Complications. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 2021;148(5):959-967. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000008411
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