Saline vs Silicone Breast Implants: A Very Personal Choice

September 29, 2025

When considering breast augmentation, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing between saline and silicone breast implants. Each type offers unique benefits, and the right choice depends on your anatomy, goals, and personal preferences.

At Halvorson Plastic Surgery in Asheville, NC, we guide patients through every step of this highly personal decision, helping them feel informed, comfortable, and confident in their choice.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline implants have a silicone outer shell filled with a sterile saltwater solution. They are inserted empty and filled once in place, which allows for smaller incisions.

Benefits:

• Adjustable size during surgery for optimal symmetry.
• Smaller incision size due to filling after placement.
• If a rupture occurs, the implant deflates and the body harmlessly absorbs the saline, making it easier to detect.

Some patients feel saline implants are more prone to rippling under the skin, especially in women with thinner breast tissue. They can also feel slightly firmer compared to silicone.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone implants are pre-filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Patients can touch and feel the implants when making their size and shape choice.

Benefits:

• More natural look and feel—often preferred for aesthetic results.
• Less visible rippling compared to saline.
• Available in a variety of shapes and profiles for tailored results.

If a silicone implant ruptures, the gel typically remains in place, which means ruptures may go unnoticed without imaging (MRI or ultrasound). The FDA recommends periodic monitoring to ensure implant integrity.

Safety and Popularity

Both saline and silicone implants are FDA-approved and considered safe when placed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Halvorson.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), silicone implants are the more popular choice—approximately 85% of breast augmentations in the U.S. use silicone—primarily due to their natural appearance and feel. Saline implants, however, remain an excellent option for patients seeking smaller incisions or peace of mind with easily detectable ruptures.

Choosing the Right Implant for You

The choice between saline and silicone isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about lifestyle, comfort, and personal priorities. Here are some factors to consider:

• Your body type and the amount of existing breast tissue.
• Desired look and feel—natural softness vs. firmer structure.
• Incision size and placement preferences.
• Willingness to undergo periodic imaging for silicone implant monitoring.
• Budget—saline implants can be slightly less expensive.

Our Approach at Halvorson Plastic Surgery

Dr. Halvorson takes the time to understand your vision, perform a detailed assessment, and discuss the pros and cons of each implant type. We use advanced imaging and sizing systems to help you visualize your potential results before surgery, ensuring you feel confident in your decision.

Whether you choose saline or silicone, our goal is to create beautiful, balanced, and natural-looking results tailored to you.

If you’re considering breast augmentation in Asheville, NC, contact Halvorson Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation. We’ll help you explore your options and choose the implant type that best fits your body and goals.