Key takeaways:
Breast augmentation continues to be one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the U.S., with more than 306,000 procedures performed last year. It’s second only to liposuction, and for many women, it’s a confidence-boosting choice worth exploring. Of course, that also means there are a lot of questions — especially about saline breast implants, a classic option that offers customizable, natural-looking results.
Saline breast implants can be shaped and sized to fit your specific silhouette, goals, and personal style. The same implant can look entirely different from one woman to the next because no two bodies are the same. That’s why choosing the right implant starts with asking the right questions. As a board-certified plastic surgeon in Chelmsford, MA, I’m here to guide you through it and share the answers you’re looking for.
Saline breast implants are thin silicone shells filled with a sterile saltwater solution. Because they can be inflated after being placed under the skin, they often allow for smaller incisions and precise adjustments. I call them a “classic” option for a reason: the first saline-filled implant was patented in Francein 1964, and today, saline breast implants remain FDA-approved for patients 18 and older.
During augmentation surgery, I create incisions in discreet areas such as the crease beneath the breast (inframammary) or around the areola (periareolar). The implant is then positioned either beneath the chest muscle (submuscular) or the breast tissue (subglandular), depending on your anatomy and goals. Once in place, each implant is carefully filled to achieve your desired size, symmetry, and shape.
Breast augmentation is one of the most well-studied procedures, and when performed by a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon, it’s considered very safe. That said, saline breast implants are medical devices, and like any device, they can wear over time. Though today’s implants are highly durable, a rupture can occur from aging or trauma. If that happens, the body safely absorbs the saline solution.
Other potential risks of saline breast implants include:
There’s also a very low risk of developing a condition called breast implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). It’s linked primarily to textured implants, which are now used less frequently in the United States. BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer, but it can cause swelling from fluid accumulation around the implant also known as a seroma, lumps, or changes in the breast area. If you ever notice symptoms like these, it’s vital to contact your healthcare provider right away.
Some women also report broader physical and cognitive symptoms, such as fatigue, joint pain, muscle weakness, or brain fog, sometimes referred to as breast implant illness (BII). This also is very rare. Research is still ongoing, and while the cause has not yet been proven, a high percentage of patients find relief after implant removal. The solution is to have an open, honest discussion with your surgeon about your concerns and overall health.
I always tell my patients that safety starts with education. By understanding how saline breast implants work, what risks exist, and how we monitor your results long-term, you can feel confident knowing your health and well-being come first.
One advantage of saline breast implants is flexibility during surgery. Because they can be filled after placement, saline implants often allow for smaller incisions and more precise adjustments to desired size and symmetry. Another benefit is peace of mind. If a saline implant ruptures, it’s immediately noticeable as the breast gently deflates and the body safely absorbs the sterile saltwater.
Silicone breast implants, on the other hand, can be harder to monitor. Silicone gel leaks slowly, making ruptures less obvious and usually requiring imaging to confirm. While saline breast implants can sometimes feel slightly firmer and may show rippling in women with less natural breast tissue, many patients still love the control and reassurance saline implants provide compared to silicone.
Saline implants are highly durable, and one does not have to alter their lifestyle activities to protect the implant. Most saline breast implants last about 10-15 years or more. Over time, natural factors like weight changes, pregnancy, or aging can affect breast shape or symmetry, and breast revision surgery may help refresh results. Similarly, an implant may develop a leak or rupture, which can be corrected with replacement surgery. The rupture rate is very low, about one percent per year per life of the implant. I always recommend regular breast exams and age-appropriate mammograms to help monitor overall breast health.
Saline breast implants can be a great option for women who want to restore or enhance their breast volume. Some of my patients have always had smaller breasts and wish to increase their size, while others want to restore fullness that was lost after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss. I also see women with asymmetry or congenital differences who are looking to achieve better balance and confidence in their appearance.
Ideal candidates for saline breast implants typically:
In my Chelmsford, MA office, I’ve treated women of all ages, from their 20s to their 50s and 60s and up, who want to look and feel more confident. The key factor isn’t age, but health and the desire to make a change that feels right for you.
Most women take about a week off from work to heal and rest after saline breast implant surgery. By the end of the first week, you can usually return to normal daily activities, and by one month, you can safely resume your exercise routine. This recovery period allows your chest muscles to relax so your implants can settle comfortably into place, helping reduce the risk of post-operative complications.
At Eliopoulos Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, my team and I provide attentive aftercare support and monitor your progress closely through follow-up visits. This hands-on approach helps ensure a smooth recovery and long-lasting, natural-looking results. I typically recommend allowing at least six months to a year for your body to heal fully and for your implants to settle into their final position.
Absolutely! While saline breast implants can sometimes feel a bit firmer than silicone, they can still look beautifully natural when chosen and placed with care by a qualified plastic surgeon. The secret lies less in the implant material and more in the artistry — selecting the right shape, size, and profile for your body. Every detail is customized to enhance your natural silhouette, not overpower it.
For the most natural-looking results, we’ll consider:
With thoughtful planning and expert placement, saline breast implants can blend seamlessly with your figure. Feel free to browse our gallery to see how natural the results can really look.
You wouldn’t be alone. Bodies change, and so do personal goals. Some women decide to remove their saline breast implants because their aesthetic preferences evolve, their breasts naturally increase in size, or they simply feel the implants no longer suit their silhouette. Others choose to replace them to refresh their results, update implant style, or adjust their size for better balance and comfort.
If you decide on removal or replacement, or revision, the process is very individualized based on your situation. Revision surgery typically involves removing or exchanging the implant through a small incision, often along the crease beneath the breast. In some cases, I may also remove the capsule (the thin layer of tissue around the implant). We can even combine the procedure with a breast lift or place new implants to create a more desired natural shape.
Deciding to get saline breast implants is a personal journey, and the best results start with a thoughtful, one-on-one consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon like myself. During our visit, I’ll take precise measurements to help determine which implants best complement your frame and bring your unique goals to life. Together, we’ll design results that look natural, feel comfortable, and truly reflect you.
With over 25 years of experience, I’ll help you achieve a beautiful shape that makes you feel confident. Schedule a consultation today.
A: The best way to find out is through a personalized consultation. During your visit, I’ll assess your anatomy, skin elasticity, and aesthetic goals to determine whether saline or silicone implants will best achieve your desired results. Many of my patients choose saline implants for their safety, adjustability, and the reassurance of easy rupture detection.
Q: Can saline breast implants feel natural?A: Yes, especially when the implant size and placement are chosen carefully. I customize each surgery to match your body’s proportions, ensuring a natural look and feel. While saline implants can be slightly firmer than silicone, they still create a soft, beautiful contour when placed correctly.
Q: What happens if a saline implant ruptures?A: The saline solution inside the implant is sterile and completely safe for your body to simply absorb it. You’ll notice a gradual deflation in the affected breast, which makes rupture easy to identify. I can replace the implant quickly and safely to restore your results.
Q: How long do saline implants last?A: On average, the rupture rate of saline implants is about 1% per year per age of the implant. For example, at 10 years, the rupture rate can approach up to 10% and this rate can increase with the age of the implant. If your implants are doing great, there is no need for prophylactic exchange and many women keep them longer without issue. Over time, factors like pregnancy, weight changes, and natural aging can influence breast shape, and that’s when replacement or revision can be considered.
Plastic surgery isn’t just about people changing their look—it's about making you feel good about being you. Whether you need breast augmentation, a breast lift, liposuction or Botox, Dr. Dina Eliopoulos is here for you. For over 20 years, patients have sought out the care and results that Dr. Eliopoulos can create in her beautiful Chelmsford, Massachusetts office. The peace of mind that comes from a board-certified, residency- and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon is hard to parallel. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Eliopoulos today to experience the difference for yourself.
