Have you been exploring the idea of having a breast augmentation but you’re not sure whether saline or silicone implants are the right choice for you? It’s one of the most common questions patients ask Dr. George Landis here in the Minneapolis—St. Paul area. Choosing the right implant isn’t just about size or shape, it’s about finding the option that best fits your body, lifestyle, and personal goals.
In this blog, we’ll compare saline breast implants to silicone breast implants in a clear, approachable way. From how they compare in feel and look to safety considerations and recovery, you’ll have the information you need to make a confident and informed decision. Whether you’re considering your first breast augmentation or thinking about an implant exchange, Dr. Landis’s expertise will help you understand which option may be the best fit for you.
Introduction to Breast Augmentation
Considering breast augmentation is an exciting step toward feeling more confident, feminine, and beautiful in your body. There is a myriad of reasons why individuals seek breast enhancements, including enhancing their curves, restoring volume after pregnancy, or achieving better balance with their natural proportions. Whatever the reason, breast augmentation can be a life-changing decision.
A breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery designed to enhance the size, shape, and overall appearance of the breasts. The most common method used during breast augmentation is the implant method where saline or silicone breast implants are placed either under the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle. Additionally, Dr. Landis specializes in the advanced dual-plane technique, which helps his patients enjoy more natural results. The implant is positioned beneath the pectoral (submuscular) muscles and some of the breast tissue is released above it. This creates a “dual plane” where the implant interacts with both the muscle and breast tissue for a more natural appearance and an improved shape.
Why Do Patients Choose Breast Augmentation?
There are a variety of reasons why patients choose breast augmentation, including:
- Confidence Boost: Many patients feel more comfortable and self-assured after enhancing their breast size or shape, especially if they grew up having a smaller chest size or lost significant volume after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss.
- Customization: With different implant types, shapes, sizes, and placement options, the results of a breast augmentation can be tailored specifically to your unique vision.
- Reconstruction: Breast augmentation can also play a role in breast reconstruction after a mastectomy or correcting a condition, leading individuals who have battled breast cancer to feel whole again in their figure.
What Are Saline Breast Implants?
Saline implants are made with a soft silicone shell that’s filled with sterile salt water (saline) once they’re placed inside the breast pocket. Because they’re inserted empty and filled after insertion, they often require a smaller incision, which can be an appealing bonus to many patients. Another benefit is that Dr. Landis can adjust the volume during surgery, helping with customization and better symmetry between the breasts.
What Are Silicone Breast Implants?
If you’ve heard people talk about how natural breast implants can look and feel, they’re likely referring to silicone breast implants. These implants are made with a soft silicone shell filled with cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of your natural breast tissue. For many patients, silicone implants are a popular choice because of the realism they’re able to create.
Saline vs. Silicone: The Key Difference
When it comes to breast augmentation, the biggest decision you’ll be faced with is choosing between saline breast implants and silicone breast implants. While both are deemed safe, FDA-approved, and are widely used, the key difference lies in how they look and feel.
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water after being placed in the breast. They can adjusted during surgery for symmetry and are easier to detect if they rupture, since the implant deflates and the body naturally absorbs the saline. They often require small incisions and can be customizable to your specific size goals.
Silicone implants are pre-filled with cohesive silicone gel, which closely mimics the feel of your natural breast tissue. They come in a variety of sizes for you to choose from to get exactly the look you’re going for. They tend to look smoother and feel softer, especially for patients with less natural breast tissue. Modern silicone implants are designed to hold their shape even if the shell is compromised, offering durability and a natural appearance.
How to Determine if Saline or Silicone Breast Implants Are Right for You
Choosing between saline breast implants and silicone breast implants is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your breast augmentation journey. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and your choice depends entirely on your body, lifestyle, and personal goals.
Here are some factors to consider:
- Your desired look and feel—Saline implants can provide a firmer feel and are easier to detect if they rupture. Silicone implants tend to look and feel more natural, especially for patients who have less breast tissue.
- Age requirements—Saline implants are FDA-approved for women age 18 or older. Silicone implants are FDA-approved for women age 22 and older.
- Incision size and placement—Saline implants are inserted empty and filled once in place. This allows for a small incision and may result in less recovery time. Silicone implants are pre-filled, which may require a slightly larger incision.
- Peace of mind—Saline implants deflate visibly if they rupture, making detection easy. Silicone implants may require further imaging like an MRI or ultrasound to confirm integrity, but the modern cohesive gel design minimizes risks.
The best way to decide is through a personalized consultation. Dr. Landis works closely with you to understand your goals, explain the pros and cons of each option, and recommend the implant type that will deliver the most natural, confident results.
The Dr. Landis Approach to Breast Augmentation and Choosing Your Implant Type
If you’ve decided to move forward with breast augmentation, you deserve a treatment plan that feels personalized, informed, and designed around your goals. At his Minneapolis—St. Paul practice, Dr. Landis emphasizes patient education every step of the way. His goal is to ensure you fully understand what to expect from surgery, what implant types are available, and how each option can help you achieve your desired appearance.
As a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Landis brings both expertise and compassion to every consultation. He takes the time to answer your questions, explain the differences between saline breast implants and silicone breast implants, and guides you toward the choice that best fits your lifestyle and preferences. During your consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to see and feel implant samples, giving you a clear sense of how each option might look and feel. Dr. Landis will walk you through important considerations. His approach is always tailored to your unique frame and build, ensuring your implants naturally complement your body for improved contours and balanced results. By the end of your consultation, you’ll leave with a personalized treatment plan that outlines the recommended implant type, size, and surgical approach. With Dr. Landis’s guidance, you can move forward feeling confident, knowing your breast augmentation journey is in expert hands.
Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation in Minneapolis Today!
If you’re considering breast augmentation in the Minneapolis—St. Paul area, the best next step is a personalized consultation with Dr. Landis. To schedule your consultation, give us a call at (952) 562-5940 or complete our convenient online form. Your journey to natural-looking, beautiful balanced results starts here!