Silicone vs. Saline Breast Implants: What You Need to Know

Your Guide to Implant Types, Longevity, Placement, and More

Deciding to get breast implants is a personal journey, often driven by a desire to enhance confidence, restore volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or correct asymmetry. At O’Neill Plastic Surgery, we’re here to make the decision-making process easier by helping you understand your options, especially regarding the type of implant, how long they last, and how they’re placed.

Whether you’re meeting with Dr. O’Neill or Dr. Dixon Swartz, your consultation will include a personalized discussion of your goals, body type, and the ideal implant to help you achieve your desired look. In the meantime, here’s a helpful overview of your choices.

Types of Breast Implants: Silicone vs. Saline

There are two primary types of breast implants: silicone and saline. Both are FDA-approved and offer their own unique benefits. The right one for you will depend on your aesthetic goals, preferences, and anatomy.

Silicone Gel Implants

Often referred to as “gummy bear implants,” silicone gel implants are filled with a gel-like material that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue.

Key features:

• FDA-approved
  
• Feels more natural to the touch
  
• Offers predictable results with a set fill volume
  
• Available in multiple profiles (low, moderate, high)
  
• Smooth or textured outer shell

• Appears more natural
  
• Typically maintains shape better than saline implants
  

Saline Implants

Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater and inserted into the body empty. They are then filled to the desired size during surgery.

Key features:

• FDA-approved
  
• Firmer feel compared to silicone
  
• Adjustable fill volume during surgery
  
• Smooth or textured outer shell
  
• Available in multiple profiles
  
• In case of rupture, the saline is naturally absorbed by the body
  

Patients who prefer a slightly firmer feel or seek a smaller incision often choose saline implants, since the implant is filled after insertion.

Breast Implant Placement: Over vs. Under the Muscle

In addition to choosing the type of implant, you’ll also discuss implant placement with your surgeon. Placement can affect your results’ final look and feel, recovery time, and long-term outcomes.

Common placement options include:

• Subglandular (Over the Muscle): The implant is placed over the pectoral muscle but under the breast tissue. This option often results in a shorter recovery and may be ideal for women with adequate natural breast tissue.
• Subfascial (Beneath the Fascia but above the chest muscle): The implant is placed beneath the fascia but over the chest muscle.  The fascia acts as a supportive layer by helping improve implant stability while reducing the risk of rippling.
  
• Submuscular (Under the Muscle): The implant is placed partially or fully beneath the pectoral muscle. This is also called “dual plane” placement, a popular technique for creating a more natural slope, especially in thinner patients. Dual plane allows the implant to be positioned beneath the muscle in the upper pole.  (Kylie Jenner recently confirmed she had dual-placement, increasing interest in this option.)

FDA-Approved Implant Brands We Offer

At O’Neill Plastic Surgery, we only use FDA-approved breast implants from trusted manufacturers known for safety, innovation, and high-quality results:

• Mentor
  
• Natrelle (by Allergan)
  
• Sientra
  
• Motiva
  

Each brand offers a range of shapes, sizes, profiles, and textures, allowing us to tailor your implants to your body and goals.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices but are designed to be long-lasting. On average, most high-quality implants can last 10 to 20 years or more, depending on factors like your age, lifestyle, and the type of implant.  There is no need to replace your implants unless you are having a specific problem, or would like to achieve a different look.

Some women may opt for a breast implant exchange or revision surgery down the line, whether to adjust the size or shape, or to address any complications such as implant rupture or capsular contracture. Implants can also be safely removed at any time.

Recovery After Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll go home the same day. Most patients spend 30–45 minutes in the recovery room before heading home. Because you’ll be under anesthesia, someone will need to drive you.

Here’s what to expect post-surgery:

• Initial follow-up visit 1–4 days after surgery
  
• Activity restrictions for the first 6 weeks
  
• Lifting restrictions for up to 6 weeks
  
• Soreness and swelling are normal
  
• Gradual return to regular activities
  

Dr. O’Neill or Dr. Dixon Swartz will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions and remain available throughout your recovery to ensure proper healing.

What About Cost?

As with most cosmetic procedures, breast augmentation is not typically covered by insurance unless it’s part of reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy. That means you’ll want to understand your out-of-pocket costs upfront.

Costs typically include:

• Surgeon’s fee
  
• Facility and anesthesia costs
  
• Implants
  
• Medical tests
  
• Post-op garments and medications
  

We’re happy to discuss financing options to help make your procedure more affordable.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re considering breast implants, the best way to start is with a consultation. Our expert plastic surgery team will walk you through all your options and help you choose the right implant type, size, and placement for your body and goals.

Call us at (843) 881-2130 to schedule your consultation today.