fb Breast implant: silicone or saline?
Dr Jérémy Djian, 5 Square Thiers , 75016
Surgery

Silicone or saline breast implants: what's the difference?

Published and scientifically verified by Dr Djian on 17/09/2025
Silicone or saline breast forms: what's the difference?
Summary
  • UNDERSTANDING BREAST IMPLANTS
  • LES PROTHÈSES MAMMAIRES EN SILICONE
  • LES PROTHÈSES EN SOLUTION SALINE
  • COMPARISON OF THE TWO TYPES OF BREAST IMPLANT
  • CONCLUSION
In short
  • The silicone breast implants offer a more natural look, with a soft, long-lasting texture, but are more expensive and require regular checks (MRI or ultrasound).
  • The saline implants are more affordable, with reduced incision and easily detectable rupture, but sometimes appear less natural to the touch.
  • In the event of breakup: the saline solution is absorbed by the body, while the cohesive silicone gel remains localized, limiting risks.
  • The medium durability of implants is approximately 15 years, Regular medical check-ups are recommended.
  • The choice between silicone and saline depends on aesthetic expectations, morphology and the opinion of the Dr Djian, with a focus on safety and naturalness.

The breast prosthesis is a popular solution for increase breast size and harmonize your figure.

Silicone or saline solution? Each type has its own particularities. Here's a detailed guide to everything you need to know before embarking on a’augmentation mammaire à Paris.

 

UNDERSTANDING BREAST IMPLANTS

 

QU’EST-CE QU’UNE PROTHÈSE MAMMAIRE ?

 

A breast prosthesis, or breast implant, is a medical device inserted under the breast for breast augmentation or reconstruction after mastectomy. It is designed to improve the size, shape and symmetry of the breasts. They consist of a silicone outer shell and an inner filling, which can be either gelatinous silicone or a saline solution.

 

POURQUOI CHOISIR ENTRE PROTHÈSE EN SILICONE ET SOLUTION SALINE ?

 

The choice between silicone and saline implants is based on several factors, including appearance, feel, personal preference and your surgeon's recommendations. Each type of prosthesis has advantages and disadvantages that it's essential to understand before making an informed decision.

 

LES PROTHÈSES MAMMAIRES EN SILICONE

 

QU’EST-CE QU’UNE PROTHÈSE EN SILICONE ?

 

Les prothèses en silicone contiennent un gel épais et cohésif qui imite la consistance du tissu mammaire naturel. L’enveloppe extérieure en silicone est solide, mais souple, offrant un résultat naturel en termes de texture et d’apparence. Aujourd’hui, la plupart des patientes choisissent des prothèses mammaires en gel de silicone cohésif, offrant une sensation naturelle et agréable. Ces prothèses sont également privilégiées par les chirurgiens plasticiens, notamment le docteur Djian, qui les considère plus adaptées que les prothèses salines pour les augmentations mammaires.

 

LES AVANTAGES DES PROTHÈSES EN SILICONE

 

  • Aspect naturel : les implants en silicone offrent une apparence et une sensation très proches des seins naturels.
  • Durability : le gel de silicone cohésif réduit les risques de fuite en cas de rupture.
  • Suitable for a wide range of profiles : les prothèses en silicone sont disponibles dans différentes formes (ronde ou anatomique) pour s’adapter aux besoins individuels.

 

LES INCONVÉNIENTS DES PROTHÈSES EN SILICONE

 

  • Higher costs Silicone implants are generally more expensive than saline implants.
  • Incision plus longue Because they are pre-filled, they require a larger incision for insertion. Incisions of up to 4cm are used.
  • Need for regular checks : une IRM ou une échographie peut être recommandée toutes les quelques années pour s’assurer qu’il n’y a pas de rupture.

 

POUR QUI SONT RECOMMANDÉES LES PROTHÈSES EN SILICONE ?

 

The Breast Augmentation with Implants in silicone are suitable for women seeking a natural look, particularly those with little breast tissue to cover the implant. They are also ideal for patients looking for a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing solution.

 

LES PROTHÈSES EN SOLUTION SALINE

 

COMPOSITION OF SALINE IMPLANTS

 

The saline solution prostheses consist of a silicone shell filled with a sterile saline solution (saltwater). They are inserted empty and then filled once in place.

BENEFITS OF SALINE-FILLED IMPLANTS

 

  • Flexible insertion Since they are filled after insertion, the incisions are smaller.
  • Easy detection of breakage rupture leads to immediate, easily detectable deflation.
  • Lower cost On average, saline implants are less expensive than silicone implants.

 

INCONVÉNIENTS DES IMPLANTS EN SOLUTION SALINE

 

  • Less natural to the touch The saline solution may feel less gentle, especially for women with little breast tissue.
  • Risk of visible folds In the case of very thin women, the folds or ripples of the prosthesis may be perceptible.

 

POUR QUI SONT RECOMMANDÉES LES PROTHÈSES EN SOLUTION SALINE ?

 

Saline implants are often preferred by women seeking a more economical option or concerned about the risks associated with difficult-to-detect internal rupture.

 

COMPARISON OF THE TWO TYPES OF BREAST IMPLANT

 

DIFFERENCES IN TEXTURE AND TACTILE SENSATION

 

Silicone dentures are renowned for their soft, natural texture, while saline dentures may feel firmer and less realistic to the touch.

 

SECURITY: WHAT HAPPENS IN THE EVENT OF A BREACH?

 

  • Silicone A rupture is often silent and causes no visible change. However, the gel remains in or close to the envelope, minimizing the risk of dispersion.
  • Saline solution A rupture causes immediate deflation, and the saline solution is absorbed naturally by the body.

 

DURABILITÉ ET LONGÉVITÉ DES PROTHÈSES

 

Modern breast prostheses do not have no more fixed lifetime and do not require systematic replacement every 10 or 15 years. Re-operation may be considered for aesthetic reasons (change in volume, sagging breasts with age or after pregnancy) or in the event of rare complications (shell or rupture). In general, implants are replaced every 15 years. However, as part of preventive care, regular follow-up with a doctor is essential, particularly routine checkups, including a mammography every two years to check their condition.

 

PRICES OF BREAST IMPLANTS: WHICH ONES ARE THE MOST AFFORDABLE?

 

In general, saline implants are less expensive than silicone implants. However, the choice should not be based solely on price, but also on the desired results and the recommendations of the Dr Djian.

 

CONCLUSION

 

The silicone prostheses offer a more natural look and feel, but are more expensive and require more rigorous controls. The saline solution prostheses, Although more affordable and easier to detect in the event of breakage, they may feel less natural to the touch.

The choice between silicone and saline should therefore be made in consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. A personalized consultation with the Dr Djian will enable you to take into account your aesthetic needs, your morphology and your expectations for an optimal and safe result.

Prenez rendez-vous avec le docteur Djian.

Appointment in Paris's 16th arrondissement

Your Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SILICONE AND SALINE IMPLANTS

ARE SILICONE PROSTHESES SAFE?

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Yes, modern silicone implants are subject to strict safety standards. Although monitoring for rupture is recommended, the cohesive gel minimizes the risk of complications.

DO SALINE PROSTHESES LOOK NATURAL?

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This depends on the thickness of the pre-existing breast tissue. In some women, saline implants may look less natural, especially if the breast tissue is thin.

WHICH TYPE OF PREOTHESIS IS THE MOST POPULAR?

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Silicone prostheses are the most popular because of their low weight. natural appearance and comfort. However, preferences vary according to patients' needs and expectations.

HOW MUCH DO BREAST PROSTHESES COST?

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The price of the prosthesis varies on average between 500 and 700 euros per implant. This price fluctuates according to the brand, type (round or anatomical) and specific characteristics of the prostheses chosen. Please note that this amount represents only part of the price of a breast augmentation, which also includes the surgeon's fees, anesthesia costs, hospitalization costs and pre- and post-operative consultations.

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Dr. Jérémy Djian
Dr. Jérémy Djian

Le Dr Jérémy Djian est chirurgien esthétique installé au 5 square Thiers, proche du rond-point Victor Hugo, dans le 16ᵉ arrondissement de Paris.

Il s’est formé à Paris et a travaillé au sein de l’équipe du Pr. Laurent Lantieri, référence en chirurgie de greffe de face.

 

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