Breast Implants: Gel or Saline?

I am often asked by patients which implant type is best. The answer, like so many things, depends on the individual and their personal preferences. Both are excellent implants and both have their advantages. Let's take a look at them each and look at their pluses and minuses.

Saline Implants:
(+)
Have the longest track record and are the standard by which implants are judged for safety.
They are adjustable (to a point) at the time of surgery.
The incision used to place them is slightly shorter than that used for gel implants.
If they break the fluid is slowly absorbed by the body and does not promote internal scar formation.
The likelihood of capsule formation is low.
(-)
They are more easy to feel when in place.
They may be more firm than gel implants.
They are less expensive than gels.

Memory Gel Implants
(+)
Have the most natural feel. In fact in many cases it is difficult to tell there is an implant in the breast.
Provide the most natural shape to the breast (this is relative and small in magnitude)

(-)
More expensive
Slightly larger incision required to place.
Size cannot be adjusted at the time of surgery.
If they rupture the content MAY cause internal scarring (capsule formation).

I give all of my patients the choice of which implant they prefer. What sways a woman the most is how the implant feels in her hands. Often, just touching the implants makes the decision easier. Some women are concerned about the safety of gel implants, remembering the questions that arose about the old style liquid silicone implants. The data that prompted the FDA to approve Memory Gel clearly shows that gel implants are not immunogenic, are not related to cancer, and are safe. What is wonderful is that we have a choice.
Next time we'll talk about implant shapes and widths.

All the best,

Dr. Jabs