Implant Types

Silicone vs. Saline Breast Implants

Women today have more options than ever before in choosing a comfortable, safe, natural-looking implant for breast augmentation.

Saline Implants

Saline implants have a silicone rubber shell that is inflated to the desired size with sterile saline. Most implants have a valve that is sealable by the surgeon.

There are two types of saline-filled implants. One type is a fixed volume implant, which is filled with the entire volume of saline at the time of surgery. Another type is an adjustable volume implant, which is filled during surgery and has the potential for further adjustment, after the surgery is over.

Silicone Implants: MemoryGel^™

In 2006, the FDA approved a new generation of silicone gel breast implants, called MemoryGel^™. The result of almost two decades of research with surgeons and patients, MemoryGel^™ implants are made of a gelatin-like substance that holds together uniformly and feel more like natural breast tissue.

The chart below highlights the differences between Silicone and Saline breast implants. During your consultation, we will advise you on which implant would be most appropriate for you, based on your body frame, shape and desired look. Please contact us any time to discuss your breast augmentation options.

MemoryGelTM Breast Implants	Saline Breast Implants

FDA Approved	FDA Approved
Filled with Mentor's proprietary silicone gel MemoryGelTM holds together uniformly while retaining the natural give that resembles breast tissue.	Filled with a saltwater solution Similar to the fluid that makes up most of the human body; slightly firmer feel.
Set fill volume Exact volume determined prior to surgery.	Flexible fill volume Allows the surgeon to adjust the volume during the procedure.
Three projection options Moderate, Moderate Plus, High Profile.	Three projection options Moderate, Moderate Plus, High Profile.
Two shell surfaces available smooth and textured.	Two shell surfaces available smooth and textured.
Slightly larger incision size with various options for incision placement.	Smaller incision size with various options for incision placement.
Covered by Mentor's standard or Enhanced Advantage Limited Warranty and lifetime replacement policy.	Covered by Mentor's standard or Enhanced Advantage Limited Warranty and lifetime replacement policy.