Breast implants may be filled with either silicone gel or sterile saline. Let’s take a look at what else differentiates the two types of implants. Consistency: Silicone gel has a thicker consistency that more closely mimics human fat, which gives silicone implants a more natural look and feel. Firmness: Saline implants often feel firmer than silicone ones. They’re sometimes described as feeling like a water balloon to the touch. Rippling: Both types of implants may show irregularities like dimples, wrinkles or ripples, especially if you have thin breast tissue. This is less common with silicone implants. And this characteristic is most important when you’re choosing an implant for reconstruction as opposed to augmentation. Both types of implants come in two primary surfaces: smooth or textured. Taking into account factors like your anatomy and personal preferences, your surgeon will help you decide which type is best for you. The specifics vary depending on what type you’re getting. Saline implants are inserted empty. Your surgeon will fill them with saline once they’re in place. This allows for a smaller surgical incision than is required for silicone implants. Silicone implants are pre-filled. They’re already full when they’re placed in your body, so your surgeon will need to make a slightly larger incision. The silicone shell of breast implants weakens as they get older, which can cause them to rupture or leak. But ruptures don’t look the same in different types of implants. Saline implant rupture is often obvious. If your saline implant starts to leak, your breast size will noticeably decrease — sort of like a deflated balloon. Silicone implant rupture can often go unnoticed. Silicone implants are designed to stay in place, even if they rupture. So, you may not notice if there’s an issue. If your implant is silicone-filled, you should have an MRI test at certain intervals to make sure it’s intact. Implants aren’t considered lifetime devices. Many surgeons recommend that breast implants be replaced every 10 years, but there’s no actual ‘expiration date’ on them — just a general recommendation