The Benefits and Compromises of Saline vs Silicone Implants

by | Apr 23, 2021 | Plastic Surgeon Feature


Making the decision to get a breast augmentation is not one that is taken lightly. Determining “how big to go” or if you need a breast augmentation in conjunction with a lift, and what type of breast implant is best for you requires research and consultations. The two fill materials for breast implants are  saline or silicone gel. Each has its benefits and compromises. A good plastic surgeon should offer all viable options for breast implants to patients. Dr. Vivian Ting of Walnut Creek, California, is a board certified plastic surgeon and an Ideal Implant Preferred Surgeon. She educates all of her patients on the many options for breast augmentations. Below you learn the different types of breast implants, saline vs silicone implants, the benefits and compromises of each, and why patients trust Dr. Ting.

Who is Dr. Ting?

Dr. Vivian Ting specializes in aesthetic surgery of the face and body. She also performs surgeries for reconstruction of the breast and skin cancer. Dr. Ting has an impressive resume spanning the course of many years starting in 1988 when she graduated magna cum laude in biology from Harvard University in Massachusetts. She continued on to receive her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1993 and was elected to the national medical honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha.

Following her internship in Pennsylvania, she completed a full general surgery residency in Rochester, New York. During her time in the residency, Dr. Ting also completed a year-long fellowship in tissue engineering. She created an impressive technique to engineer ear and nose-shaped cartilages for surgery use. Her smarts, creativity, and talent for tissue engineering has helped her become the successful plastic surgeon that she is today. She followed her passion and talents and completed a full plastic surgery residency at the Harvard Combined Plastic Surgery Residency Program in 2003. During this time, she was also Chief Resident at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Dr. Ting is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons as well as members of the following: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the California Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Ting believes in giving back to her community. Her charitable interests include mission trips for cleft lip and palate surgery, as well as fundraising for “Evening in Pink” which provides free diagnostic screens and studies to underserved women in the local community.

Saline vs Silicone Implants

Dr. Ting takes the time during the consultation process to personally determine the look and goal of each individual seeking breast implants. Many women come into her office already knowing some information about each implant type, but Dr. Ting takes time to properly educate women on all options for breast implants. This provides women with the power to choose what is best for their body. Dr. Ting is there to guide them, but the choice is ultimately up to the patient. During the consultation process, women are given all options including unstructured saline, silicone gel, gummy bear implant, and the IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implant. All of these implant types are FDA approved.

  • Unstructured Saline Implants: unstructured saline implants have an outer shell that is made up of silicone and the internal solution is made of saline, a sterile salt water solution. Surgeons can insert these implants through a small incision site and fill after the implant has been placed. One of the compromises that women have noted about unstructured saline implants is that they feel less natural than silicone gel implants. Some women believe silicone gel is better at taking on the natural look and feel of natural fatty breast tissue. A benefit to saline implants is that if one ruptures, a patient is able to notice it immediately. Also, the body is easily able to absorb the sterile saline.
  • Silicone Gel Implants: Silicone gel implants made of the same kind of silicone shell as other implants, however, they are filled with silicone gel. Silicone gel is a synthetic material that mimics the feel of human fat. It can be made either thin or thick. The thicker, cohesive silicone gel is often referred to as gummy bear implants. A compromise with silicone gel implants is that if one does rupture, it requires expensive imaging such as an MRI or ultrasound scan to detect the rupture. Unlike unstructured saline, a silicone rupture is not detectable to the naked eye. Because of this, they are referred to as silent ruptures or silent leaks. When the silicone gel leaks, it can adhere to the tissue in a woman’s body, requiring surgery to clean it out. 

Recovering from Breast Augmentation Surgery

Dr. Ting says that post-operative surgeries call for plenty of rest and limited movement and lifting in order to speed up the recovery process. Women will be required to wear a surgical bra that will provide extra support for a couple of weeks following the surgery.

Why You Can Trust Dr. Ting

RealSelf shows that Dr. Ting has more than 24 reviews, all containing five five stars. She has been in practice for more than 18 years and has an excellent reputation in her community. She knows saline vs silicone implants and how each implant type can better serve your body.

Considering breast implants in Walnut Creek? Contact Dr. Vivan Ting today to discuss your options. Simply call (925)949-8587 or visit viviantingmd.com  Dr. Ting’s office is located at1776 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 202, Walnut Creek, CA 94598. Call today for more information on IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implants.