What Is Saline Breast Augmentation?

Saline implants have been used for decades with a reliable and safe track record for patients who desire breast enhancement. Saline implants come deflated and are filled with sterile saline in the operating room at the time of the breast augmentation procedure.

Saline breast implants consist of a Silastic shell, essentially solid silicone. These implants can be introduced through small incisions, as they are initially placed in the prepared surgical pocket in a deflated state and rolled up into a narrow cylinder. Once positioned appropriately under your breast or pectoralis muscle, your plastic surgeon fills the implant with sterile saline or salt water. In the event of a rupture, you typically become aware immediately, and your body safely absorbs the leaking saline. Due to their shape and the consistency of saline, these implants may feel similar to water balloons, lacking the gel-like consistency that mimics natural breasts or silicone gel-filled implants.

Benefits of Saline Breast Implants

Saline implants have several benefits:

• Smaller incisions may be more discreetly placed since saline implants are filled after they are placed underneath the pec muscles.
• If a saline implant ruptures, the body easily absorbs the sterile saline solution. Implant deflation is obvious because the breast itself will simply go flat very quickly, and changes are noticeable when comparing a single deflated breast to its mate.
• Saline breast implants give plastic surgeons the ability to fine-tune the volume to customize the final result for the patient. Saline implants have a recommended fill volume range which can be used to make precise adjustments in size.

Round Saline Implants

Saline implants are round and come in different profiles and sizes. The outer shell of a saline implant is smooth. In general, saline implants come in low, moderate, and high profiles or projections.

The breast implant profile refers to how far the implant projects from the chest. Low-profile implants project less and are more conservative. High-profile implants have a lot of projection and give more enhancement. Implants come in different sizes which determine how much fluid they will hold.

Dr. Burns Specializes In Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation

The implant pocket is carefully dissected using cautery under direct visualization so that there is no blood loss and the implant space stays clean. The pockets are washed with triple antibiotic irrigation and betadine solution so that they are completely sterile. The implants are placed using a no-touch technique using a Kellar funnel. The implant pocket and breast is numbed using a long-lasting local anesthetic to keep the area numb during the early healing process. Most patients feel pressure but not pain after breast augmentation.

Is Anesthesia Used For My Surgery?

Yes. In my practice, the anesthesia is administered by a female board-certified anesthesiologist who specializes in plastic surgery and closely monitors you throughout your entire procedure.

Before and After Breast Implants in Dallas, TX by Dr. John Burns

Incision Creation and Placement

There are 3 different incisions used for saline breast augmentation:

Inframammary Fold

This incision is placed underneath the fold, hiding the incision. The incision is about 3.0 cm in size or just over one inch long. This incision is the most popular method because it is so precise. This allows for the best visualization and has the lowest complication rate.

Peri-areolar Incision

The incision is placed around the areola. This approach is useful for patients who might scar poorly or have a poorly defined breast crease.

Endoscopic trans-axillary

An incision is placed in the armpit and a camera is used to visualize the dissection of the implant pocket. This is the least precise approach and has a high rate of revisions.

How Do You Determine The Size and Fill of The Implant? 

Dr. Burns uses several methods to size your implants: measurements, patient size goals, and 3D breast implant imaging.

Precise Measurements

Using measurements such are nipple-to-collar bone (sternal notch), nipple to breast fold, and base diameter; implants can be accurately sized for a perfect fit.

Patient Goals

Dr. Burns believes that the most important factor is a keen understanding regarding each patient's unique goals. Some women want a subtle one-cup size increase while others may want maximum volume and a 3+ cup size increase. Every patient is unique, and Dr. Burns does his best to ensure that these goals are attained by choosing the perfect implant. Many women will bring goal photos of their desired breast size and outcome.

3D Breast Implant Imaging

Dr. Burns uses 3D imaging software to simulate the procedure using different-sized implants. The implant profile and volume can be visualized to give a very accurate image of the result. 

Patients can see any size implant and choose the one they like the best. Patients can do this online simulation here.


Saline implants come with a recommended fill volume. Under or overfilling the implant will void the implant warranty and distort the implant. Most implants have about a 25cc fill volume range.

What is the recovery like?

Dr. Burns practices Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation. Most patients are very functional on the day of surgery and recover quickly. There is very little pain associated with the procedure. Most patients return to work in 2 - 3 days and begin light exercise in one week.

What happens if my implants rupture?

One of the advantages of saline-filled implants is that an implant rupture or leak is obvious. The implant will deflate and the breast will go flat. The body easily absorbs the sterile saline. The implant(s) can be replaced in a very simple procedure. 

Teardrop Breast Augmentation

How Long Do Saline Implants Last?

 With proper care and maintenance, saline implants can last a very long time - up to twenty years without problems or needing replacement. While silicone implants should be evaluated every two years, according to the FDA, saline implants usually don't require evaluation as often as they are quite resilient. In the rare case of a rupture or leak, it becomes obvious quickly due to the natural salt solution that comprises them.

Keep your breasts healthy

It is important for any woman considering breast augmentation surgery to have her breasts checked regularly by a doctor regardless of whether she has received saline or silicone implants. Knowing your body and its vulnerabilities is key in ensuring your own health security and peace of mind going forward with any cosmetic procedure. Doing so will help you stay on top of any potential issues that may arise over time and determine when the time comes for considered replacement options if need be.

Are there warranties on saline breast implants? 

The availability and terms of warranties on saline breast implants can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific product. In general, breast implant warranties may cover certain aspects such as device replacement, financial assistance, or other benefits in the event of complications or failures.

Manufacturers of breast implants may provide warranties to assure breast augmentation patients about the quality and durability of their products. These warranties may include coverage for issues like implant rupture or deflation. It's crucial to note that warranty details, including coverage periods and conditions, can differ among implant manufacturers.

Patients considering breast augmentation with saline implants should discuss warranty information with their plastic surgeon and the implant manufacturer before the procedure. 

FAQs

When can I wear a bra?

You will go home in a bra after surgery. With the breast crease incision an underwire may be uncomfortable for the first several weeks. Once healed patients can wear any bra they like.

When will I see my final results?

Implants can ride high in the first several weeks due to pressure from the chest muscle. After a few weeks the implants settle into their permanent position.

How much are saline breast implants?

The cost of breast augmentation is about $6800 for everything: surgeon’s fee, operating room, anesthesia, saline implants, and post surgery bra.

How long do saline breast implants last?

Saline implants last an average of about 10 years. This is just an average and many saline implants last much longer.

Will my partner be able to tell I have saline implants?

The feel of an implant is very natural. Thin women with little breast tissue will have more palpability of their implants. In most cases, the implant feels like the breast and is difficult to detect.

Plastic Surgery Financing

The surgery is considered elective and not covered by insurance. The cost of surgery is determined by the surgeon's fee, anesthesia fee, and operating room fee. For those who prefer to review financing options, Dr. Burns' practice recommends financing with CareCredit, Alphaeon, and PatientFi.

Schedule Your Saline Breast Implant Consult
with Dallas Plastic Surgeon,
Dr. John Burns

Schedule your private consultation with Dr. John Burns.  Dr. Burns offers both virtual and in-office plastic surgery consultations for women seeking breast augmentation in Dallas, throughout the United States, and the world.