Ideal Implant vs. Silicone and Saline Implants: What’s the Difference?

If you’re looking to get breast implants or require breast implant revision, it is essential to consider all of the options available on the market. Generally, surgeons will help you choose between Ideal vs. silicone vs. saline breast implants so it’s good to know a bit about their different characteristics.

Silicone vs. Saline Implants

Saline Implants

Saline implants are comprised of a silicone outer shell filled with saline solution. The implant can be pre-filled or filled once inserted into the breast tissue, allowing for a more discreet scar. 

The saline solution can move freely inside the shell and, should the implant rupture, the saline is absorbed harmlessly into the body. Any leaks in saline implants are easy to detect, and a surgeon can remove the old silicon shell and replace it with a new implant. 

Many believe saline implants don’t feel as natural as silicone, and they can be known to ripple or wrinkle under the skin as the saline moves around.

Silicone Implants

Alternatively, silicone implants consist of a smooth silicone gel and are considered to better mimic the feel of breast tissue. The nature of silicone allows these implants to be more cohesive and firm, with a wide range of size and shape options available. 

Silicone implants do come with the risk of a ‘silent rupture,’ where the outer shell of the implant tears exposing the gel to the body. Often it is held in place by the scar tissue capsule, making it incredibly hard to notice if a tear has occurred. As a result, manufacturers recommend an MRI every few years to check for rupture. 

While a silicon rupture is not harmful in the short term, it can be painful and cause changes in the shape and feel of the breast.

Ideal Implant vs. Silicone and Saline

The final option is an Ideal implant, which is essentially a hybrid that provides the natural feel of a silicone implant and the peace of mind that comes with a saline filling. The saline is held in two separate chambers to prevent movement and maintain the shape inside the implant. 

The nature of their shape and build means they have a higher-profile, or more projection away from the chest. So, if you are not looking for this aesthetic, they may not be the right option for you.

Ideal vs. silicone vs. saline breast implants: Choosing what’s best for your body

While all three implant types are FDA-approved and will ultimately achieve a similar look, it is important to understand their differences to determine the best option for your breast augmentation surgery. 

You also need to consider what implant diameter and profile will work best with your physique and goals. There is no one-size-fits-all implant, and it is essential you work with your surgeon to make an informed decision. 

At Burbank Plastic Surgery, our board-certified surgeon, Dr. George Orloff, will use his expertise and care to help you choose the best implant to meet your goals. Schedule a consultation today if you wish to learn more about breast augmentation.