Saline implants have the same silicone outer shell as silicone implants but are filled with sterile salt water (saline), usually after being placed, which allows a smaller incision.
Advantages
- Smaller incision, as the shell is filled once in position.
- A rupture is obvious — the implant deflates and the body harmlessly absorbs the saline.
- Volume can sometimes be adjusted at the time of surgery.
Disadvantages
- Tends to feel firmer and less natural than cohesive silicone gel.
- Higher chance of visible rippling, especially in people with thin tissue.
For these reasons saline implants are not used frequently in the UK, where cohesive silicone gel is the usual choice. A structured saline implant aims to improve feel with an internal supporting structure.