Breast implants differ in their filling material, cohesiveness, shape, profile, and other characteristics that influence how they look and feel. The primary choice is between saline-filled and silicone gel-filled implants, but options within those categories give patients considerable flexibility in customizing their breast augmentation results.
At The Wall Center, our board-certified plastic surgeons help patients compare breast implant options based on their anatomy, aesthetic goals, lifestyle, and preferences. Their extensive experience with breast enhancement and leading implant manufacturers helps patients make informed choices about the implant characteristics that may work best for them.
Below, we explore the different types of breast implants and some of the advantages and considerations associated with each.
Breast Implant Types
Breast implants come in various types, each offering distinct advantages and potential drawbacks to suit different preferences and medical needs. Below, we explore the most common options available to those considering breast augmentation, from saline and silicone gel to innovative structured implants.
Saline Implants
A saline breast implant is a silicone shell filled with a biocompatible, sterile saline (saltwater) solution. If the implant leaks, the solution is harmlessly absorbed by the body. Saline implants are less popular than other types, but about 20% of patients choose them for primary breast augmentation procedures.
The benefits of saline implants include being slightly less expensive than silicone gel implants and requiring a smaller incision because the surgeon fills the implant after it’s placed. Potential drawbacks are that many patients find saline implants feel less natural than silicone, and there’s an increased risk of visible rippling.
Cohesive Silicone Gel Implants
These are silicone shells filled with medical-grade silicone gel of varying consistencies, depending on the implant brand. The cohesiveness of the gel affects the feel—softer or firmer—and the breasts’ overall shape following augmentation surgery. Some patients prefer less cohesive silicone implants that produce less upper pole fullness than firmer, more cohesive gel implants.
In general, cohesive silicone gel implants tend to look and feel more like natural breasts. The silicone gel inside a cohesive gel Implant does not flow like water and won’t seep into surrounding tissue if the tough outer shell is punctured.
The Wall Center also offers Motiva® silicone gel implants, including for appropriately selected patients who choose Preservé® breast augmentation, a tissue-preserving technique designed specifically for use with Motiva implants.
“Gummy Bear” Implants
Highly cohesive silicone gel, form-stable implants earned the nickname gummy bears because the thicker consistency of the gel retains its shape even after being compressed. It is a soft solid that has “memory.” The increased cohesiveness of the gel is desirable for patients who want a rounded upper pole for maximized cleavage.
Structured Implants
The design of this innovative implant combines the feel of silicone gel implants for patients who prefer a saline filling. This is accomplished through a series of nested shells that control the movement of the saline solution. In addition, the edges have been lowered to better fit the natural curve of the chest wall. This unique design allows women to have the best of both worlds with their implant—a natural look and feel but the ability to just look in a mirror and know the implant is intact.
Breast Implant Types at a Glance
| Implant type | Filling | Feel/characteristics | Rupture detection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saline | Sterile saline | Typically firmer | Deflation is usually noticeable |
| Silicone gel | Cohesive silicone gel | Generally feels more similar to natural breast tissue | Rupture may be “silent” |
| Highly cohesive (“gummy bear”) silicone | Firmer, highly cohesive silicone gel | More form-stable; available in varying degrees of firmness | Rupture may be “silent” |
| Structured saline | Sterile saline with internal structure | Designed to control saline movement and reduce some drawbacks of traditional saline implants | Deflation can generally be detected without routine rupture imaging |
Do Silicone Breast Implants Need Routine Screening?
Yes, the FDA’s guidelines recommend that breast augmentation patients with silicone implants undergo routine tests to monitor the integrity of the implants. For asymptomatic patients with silicone gel implants, the FDA recommends the first ultrasound or MRI 5 to 6 years after surgery and every 2 to 3 years thereafter. For patients with symptoms or inconclusive ultrasound findings, MRI is recommended.
At The Wall Center, we offer free ultrasound screenings to all Wall Center patients beginning 5 years after breast augmentation surgery with silicone gel implants.
Why Choose The Wall Center for Breast Augmentation?
Choosing the right implant is only part of planning your breast augmentation. The surgical technique and your surgeon’s experience can also influence your results. The Wall Center’s plastic surgeons have extensive experience with breast enhancement and longstanding relationships with leading breast implant manufacturers, including Mentor®, Allergan® Natrelle®, and Motiva®.
Dr. Simeon Wall Jr. and Dr. Holly Wall served as principal investigators in the clinical study that led to FDA approval of Motiva implants in 2024 and have used the implants since 2018. They also developed and refined The Wall Center’s modified dual-plane breast augmentation technique, which is designed to provide natural movement, attractive cleavage and upper-pole fullness, and long-term implant support.
Because no single implant or surgical technique is right for every patient, our surgeons consider your anatomy, aesthetic goals, lifestyle, and preferences when recommending your breast augmentation options.
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Take the Next Step
Choosing a breast implant involves more than deciding between saline and silicone. Size, profile, gel cohesiveness, your anatomy, and the look and feel you want can all influence which option is appropriate for you. During a consultation at The Wall Center, one of our board-certified plastic surgeons can help you compare your options and select an implant suited to your goals. Request a consultation online or call our Shreveport office to get started.