Saline Breast Implants in Seattle

Benefits of Saline Breast Implants

One advantage of saline implants is that certain models can be filled after placement. This allows the surgeon to adjust the volume within the manufacturer’s approved range during surgery.

Other potential benefits include:

• FDA approval for cosmetic breast augmentation beginning at age 18
• The possibility of a smaller incision with implants filled after insertion
• Different sizes and projection profiles for varying chest proportions
• A visible change in breast volume if the implant deflates

These characteristics can make saline a good option for some patients, depending on their anatomy and preferences.

Saline vs. Silicone Implants

The main tradeoff between saline and silicone involves feel and how rupture is detected.

Silicone gel generally feels softer and may make implant edges or rippling less noticeable, particularly when natural tissue coverage is limited. Saline implants may feel somewhat firmer because they contain liquid rather than cohesive gel.

A saline implant usually loses volume if its shell fails, making the problem easier to recognize. A silicone rupture can occur without a visible change and may require imaging for detection.

These differences are considered alongside your anatomy, age, and preferred implant feel when comparing the two options.

How Do Saline Implant Profiles Affect Breast Shape?

Breast implant volume describes how much an implant holds. Profile describes how far the implant projects forward in relation to the width of its base.

A lower-profile implant typically spreads its volume across a broader base. A higher-profile implant provides more forward projection from a narrower base. Two saline implants with similar volumes can therefore create different breast proportions.

Profile selection starts with the natural width of the breast and chest. Existing breast tissue and the amount of fullness you want also influence the choice. Dr. Brad or Dr. Austin uses these measurements to narrow the available options rather than relying on cup size alone. This reflects the practice’s established approach to breast augmentation planning.

Who May Be a Good Candidate for Saline Implants?

Saline implants may be considered for healthy adults age 18 or older who are appropriate candidates for breast augmentation. Tissue coverage is particularly important because implant edges or rippling may be easier to notice when there is less natural breast tissue.

During consultation, Dr. Brad or Dr. Austin also evaluates breast width, skin elasticity, asymmetry, and overall proportions. These findings help determine whether saline will provide an appropriate fit or whether another implant type may be better suited to your anatomy.

What Should You Know About Saline Implant Deflation?

When a saline implant develops a tear or hole, the solution leaves the shell and the affected breast typically becomes smaller. The change may happen quickly or become noticeable over several days.

The body absorbs the sterile saltwater solution, but the empty implant shell remains. A deflated implant should therefore be evaluated by a plastic surgeon and generally requires removal or replacement.

Because deflation is usually visible, routine MRI or ultrasound screening specifically for silent rupture is not recommended for saline implants. Regular breast cancer screening should still continue as advised for your age and medical history.

Why Choose Remington Plastic Surgery for Saline Breast Implants?

Dr. Brad Remington and Dr. Austin Remington evaluate breast width, tissue thickness, skin elasticity, asymmetry, and desired projection before recommending an implant. This careful assessment is particularly important when considering saline because tissue coverage can affect implant feel and the visibility of rippling.

Dr. Brad Remington is Board-Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has practiced in Kirkland since 1992, with a specific interest in breast procedures. Dr. Austin Remington is Board-Eligible. He earned his medical degree from Stanford University and completed six years of plastic and reconstructive surgery training at the University of Michigan.

Their consultation process gives patients time to understand why a particular implant is being recommended instead of starting with a predetermined size or brand. You can learn more about the experience behind your care when you meet the Remington Plastic Surgery team.

Saline Breast Implant FAQs