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Breast Implants
Silicone or Saline Implants: It’s Your Choice
Since the FDA approval of silicone gel breast implants, we now have more choices in breast enlargement, breast lift with implant procedures, and breast implant revision.
Why We Use Mentor Breast Implants
Plastic surgeons in the U.S. have two main choices of manufacturers for silicone and saline breast implants that are FDA approved. Two companies—Mentor (a Johnson & Johnson company) and Allergan—make excellent products, but we believe Mentor’s breast implants are better. All of our board certified plastic surgeons use Mentor implants almost exclusively. They are also made in the U.S.A.
Despite the fact that we believe Mentor implants are better, you must understand that all saline implants can occasionally leak, wrinkle, or be palpable.
If you prefer saline implants, our board certified plastic surgeons recommend Mentor implants exclusively for the following important reasons:
- Mentor’s implants have a lower deflation rate, which reduces the need for secondary surgery due to deflation.
- We prefer the shell (the outer edge) of the Mentor implants because
- They are less likely to wrinkle and show under your skin when implanted.
- We’ve found that you are less likely to be able to feel the edges of Mentor implants once they are implanted (i.e, they are less palpable).
Differences Between Silicone and Saline Implants
The following chart outlines the differences between silicone and saline breast implants. Please contact us if you have questions.
Silicone MemoryGel®
|
Saline-Filled
|
 |
 |
√ FDA Approved |
√ FDA Approved |
Implant FillingFilled with Silicone Gel. Mentor’s MemoryGel® holds together uniformly while retaining the natural feel of breast tissue. |
Implant FillingFilled with a Saltwater Solution. Like the fluid that makes up most of the human body, saline has a slightly firmer feel than silicone gel. |
Fill VolumeSet fill volume, so the surgeon cannot adjust the volume. |
Fill VolumeFlexible fill volume, so the surgeon can adjust the volume during the procedure. |
Projection OptionsThree options: Moderate, |
Projection OptionsThree options: Moderate, |
Shell SurfacesThere are two surfaces available: Smooth or textured |
Shell SurfacesThere are two surfaces available: Smooth or textured |
Incision SizeSlightly larger incision size |
Incision SizeSmaller incision size |
WarrantyCovered by Mentor’s Standard or Enhanced Advantage Limited Warranty and lifetime replacement policy. |
WarrantyCovered by Mentor’s Standard or Enhanced Advantage Limited Warranty and lifetime replacement policy. |
Three Profile Choices to Fit Your Body Type
Both saline and silicone gel breast implants come in three profiles: moderate, moderate plus, and high profile. Your plastic surgeon will examine and talk to you at your implant sizing and shaping appointment to recommend the breast implant profile that will best help you achieve your goals.
Moderate |
Moderate Plus |
High Profile |
 |
 |
 |
Learn More about Breast Implants
- The Curves Connection: Breast Implant Sizing and Imaging
- Overview: Breast Augmentation Procedure Information
- Breast Augmentation Before and After Photos
- Considering Breast Augmentation? How to know if breast augmentation is right for your lifestyle.
Read Dr. Lori Saltz’s series of articles about breast augmentation:
- Introduction: Talking About Breast Augmentation with Dr. Lori Saltz
- Why We Use Mentor Breast Implants at LJCSC
- The History of Breast Implants
- The Evolution of Silicone Breast Implants
- Types of Saline Breast Implants
- Anatomical Factors To Consider With Your Surgeon
- All About Incisions: Choosing Your Incision Placement
- Implant Placement: Over or Under the Muscle?
- Breast Implants and Mammograms
- What Can Go Wrong With Breast Augmentation?
- What Is Capsular Contracture?
- Breast Implant Promotions, Rebates, and Specials
- Scheduling a Breast Augmentation Consultation at LJCSC
