Silicone vs Saline Breast Implants: Which Is Best for You?
Choosing the right breast implants can feel confusing, especially with so many options out there. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to go for silicone or saline implants. In this blog, I’ll break down the differences between the two so you can feel confident making
the right choice for your body and goals.
| Feature | Silicone Implants | Saline Implants |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Soft, natural | Firmer, slightly less natural |
| Fill material | Silicone gel | Sterile saltwater |
| Shell | Silicone outer shell | Silicone outer shell |
| Rupture detection | Harder to detect | Obvious deflation |
| Incision size | Slightly larger | Smaller (filled after placement) |
| Popularity in UK | ✅ Most common | Rarely used |
What Are Silicone Implants?
Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. They’re the most widely used implant type in the UK and are approved by regulatory bodies such as the MHRA.
Benefits of silicone implants:
- More natural look and feel
- Lower risk of visible rippling
- Long track record of safety
- Available in various shapes and profiles
What Are Saline Implants?
Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater after they’re placed inside the breast. While popular in the US, they’re rarely used in the UK.
Benefits of saline implants:
- Smaller incisions possible
- Easier to detect rupture (deflation is obvious)
- Slightly adjustable volume at the time of surgery
Considerations:
- Firmer feel and less natural appearance
- More prone to visible rippling, especially in thinner women
- Less popular with UK patients
Which Is Safer – Silicone or Saline?
Both types are considered safe, with extensive data supporting their use. However, silicone implants are generally preferred due to their feel and appearance.
If a saline implant ruptures, the saltwater is harmlessly absorbed by the body but the breast will visibly deflate.
With silicone implants, the rupture is usually “silent,” meaning regular checks (MRI or ultrasound) are sometimes advised.
Which Implant Type Is Best for You?
Here’s how I typically guide my patients in Newcastle:
- For natural feel: Silicone
- For very thin frames: Silicone (to avoid rippling)
- For women worried about silent rupture: Saline may be worth discussing
- For women wanting the most natural-looking results: Silicone
Ultimately, we’ll choose the best implant together during your consultation, based on your body
shape, skin quality, and personal preferences.
Why I Recommend Silicone for Most Patients
In my Newcastle and Gateshead practices, I recommend silicone implants for the majority of women because:
- They feel soft and natural
- They maintain their shape long-term
- They give beautiful, natural results under both clothes and swimwear
I use only high-quality, MHRA-approved implants such as Motiva with excellent safety profiles and warranties.
Conclusion: Let’s Choose the Right Implants for You
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to breast implants. At your consultation, I’ll help you understand all the pros and cons of silicone vs saline and recommend the option that suits your lifestyle, goals, and body.
Book your consultation in Newcastle or Gateshead today and let’s talk through your options together.