Saline Breast Implants Introduction
For women seeking a fuller, more youthful bust line, saline breast implants offer a reliable and customizable option for breast enhancement. Known for their safety and versatility, saline implants provide a natural look and feel while offering a range of sizes and projection options to achieve the desired shape. Whether you are looking to restore lost volume after pregnancy, enhance your natural curves, or correct asymmetry, saline breast implants can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
At Maryland Plastic Surgery, board-certified surgeons Dr. Adam Summers and Dr. Christopher Spittler specialize in breast augmentation procedures, including saline breast implants, to help women achieve beautiful, natural-looking results. With decades of combined experience, our surgeons are dedicated to delivering personalized care and exceptional outcomes for every patient.
Saline breast implants are medical devices filled with a sterile saltwater solution. They are inserted into the breast pocket as empty shells and then filled to the desired size during surgery, allowing for precise volume adjustments to achieve symmetrical results. Saline implants are known for their safety, as the saline solution is easily absorbed by the body in the rare event of a rupture. They are typically placed through smaller incisions, resulting in less visible scarring.
Saline breast implants are a popular choice for patients who prefer a firmer, more rounded breast shape or those who want the peace of mind that comes with a completely sterile, biocompatible filler. They are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and profiles, making them highly customizable to each patient’s unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.
While all saline breast implants share the same core characteristics, there are variations in design and structure that offer different benefits based on the patient’s desired outcome:
These implants are the most common choice for breast augmentation and provide a fuller, more rounded appearance. They are often chosen by patients looking to enhance upper breast fullness and achieve a more pronounced cleavage.
Designed to mimic the natural slope of the breast, teardrop-shaped implants have a tapered, anatomical design that provides a more natural, gradual projection. They are ideal for patients seeking a more subtle, natural-looking result.
Smooth implants have a sleek, slippery surface that allows them to move more freely within the breast pocket, creating a more natural feel. They are less likely to cause rippling and can provide a softer overall appearance.
Textured implants have a rough surface that encourages tissue adherence, reducing the risk of implant movement or rotation within the breast pocket. They are often used for anatomical (teardrop) implants to maintain their intended shape and orientation.
At Maryland Plastic Surgery & PURE MedSpa, Dr. Adam Summers and Dr. Christopher Spittler bring decades of experience and artistry to every cosmetic surgery they perform. Known for their precision and natural-looking results, both surgeons take a personalized approach—starting with an in-depth consultation to understand your goals and areas of concern. Whether you’re looking to lift sagging jowls, smooth deep lines, or restore youthful contours, Dr. Summers and Dr. Spittler are committed to helping you look like the best version of yourself. Their reputation for excellence and their dedication to patient satisfaction means you’ll be in the best hands—every step of the way.
Saline breast implants offer several advantages for women seeking breast enhancement, including:
Smaller incision options due to the ability to fill the implant after placement
Precise volume adjustments for improved symmetry
High safety profile, as the saline solution is naturally absorbed by the body if the implant ruptures
Lower cost compared to silicone implants
Reduced risk of capsular contracture with textured options
Customizable shape and size for personalized results
Long history of safety and reliability
Patients who choose saline breast implants often appreciate the peace of mind that comes with their biocompatible filler and the ability to achieve a wide range of aesthetic outcomes.
Ideal candidates for saline breast implants are women who are in good overall health, have fully developed breasts, and have realistic expectations about the results of breast augmentation. This type of implant may be particularly well-suited for women who:
Are at least 18 years old (the FDA minimum age for saline implants)
Have naturally small or asymmetrical breasts
Desire a fuller, more rounded breast shape
Prefer a firmer feel to their breast implants
Have thin breast tissue and want a customizable volume solution
Are concerned about the potential risks associated with silicone gel implants
Are comfortable with the potential for a slightly firmer feel compared to silicone
During your consultation, Dr. Summers or Dr. Spittler will evaluate your goals, body type, and breast anatomy to determine if saline breast implants are the right choice for you.
LET’S GET YOU STARTED
On the day of your surgery at Maryland Plastic Surgery & PURE MedSpa, you’ll be welcomed into our state-of-the-art surgical suite by Dr. Summers, Dr. Spittler, and our experienced clinical team. Before your procedure begins, we’ll review your surgical plan with you once more — giving you a final opportunity to ask questions or share any last-minute thoughts. Our goal is to ensure you feel completely comfortable, confident, and cared for every step of the way.
A board-certified anesthesiologist will then administer the appropriate anesthesia, which will have been carefully selected and discussed during your consultation to ensure a pain-free, relaxed experience throughout your procedure.
Once your ideal results have been achieved, your surgeon will carefully close the incisions using advanced suturing techniques designed to support healing and minimize visible scarring. In some cases, a small drain may be placed to prevent fluid buildup and support a smoother recovery process.
On the day of your saline breast implant surgery, you will arrive at our state-of-the-art surgical facility in Millersville, MD. After pre-operative markings and a final review of your surgical plan, anesthesia will be administered to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
During the surgery, your surgeon will make a small incision in one of several possible locations, such as the inframammary fold (under the breast), around the areola, or in the armpit, depending on your anatomy and desired results. The empty implant shell is then inserted into the breast pocket and filled with sterile saline to the desired volume, allowing for precise adjustments to achieve symmetry.
Once the implants are in place, the incisions are carefully closed, and a supportive surgical bra is applied to aid in healing. You will be monitored for a short period before being discharged to recover at home with detailed post-operative care instructions.
Recovery from saline breast implant surgery is typically quicker than more complex procedures, with most patients returning to work and normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks. However, it is important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal healing and results.
Typical recovery milestones include:
Swelling, bruising, and soreness for the first few days to weeks
Wearing a supportive surgical bra for several weeks to promote healing and reduce swelling
Light walking encouraged soon after surgery to improve circulation
Gradual return to exercise after 4 to 6 weeks, as recommended by your surgeon
Full results visible within 3 to 6 months as the breasts settle into their final shape
FAIR & TRANSPARENT PRICING
The cost of saline breast implant surgery at Maryland Plastic Surgery typically ranges from $5,000 to $8,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure, the type of implants used, and the specifics of your surgical plan. This price generally includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, surgical facility costs, and follow-up care.
During your private consultation, Dr. Summers will perform a detailed evaluation, listen carefully to your goals, and design a customized treatment plan that best addresses your needs. Once your surgical plan is finalized, our Patient Coordinator will provide you with a personalized cost breakdown and discuss available financing options.
For your convenience, we proudly partner with trusted financing providers such as PatientFi, Alphaeon Credit, and CareCredit, making it easier to move forward with your procedure on terms that fit your budget. Whether you choose to pay upfront or through a flexible monthly plan, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
For general pricing estimates on our full range of services, we invite you to visit our Pricing Page.
Saline breast implants are designed to be long-lasting, but they are not considered lifetime devices. On average, saline implants last between 10 to 20 years, although many women enjoy their results for much longer without complications. Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon are essential to monitor the condition of your implants and detect any potential issues. If a rupture occurs, the implant will deflate quickly, and the saline solution will be safely absorbed by the body, making it easy to identify when replacement is necessary.
In the event of a saline implant rupture, the sterile saltwater solution inside the implant is harmlessly absorbed by the body, resulting in a noticeable decrease in breast volume. Unlike silicone implants, which may require imaging to detect a rupture, saline implant ruptures are typically immediately apparent. Replacement surgery is straightforward and involves removing the deflated implant and replacing it with a new one.
Saline breast implants provide a firm, full feel that many patients appreciate, but they can feel less natural than silicone implants, especially in women with thin breast tissue. This is because saline implants are filled with a liquid that can create a slightly firmer, less pliable texture compared to the cohesive gel used in silicone implants. However, proper implant placement, sizing, and surgical technique can significantly improve the natural feel and appearance of saline implants.
Yes, saline implants are more prone to visible rippling or wrinkling, especially in patients with thin breast tissue or those who choose a larger implant size. To minimize the risk of rippling, your surgeon may recommend placing the implant under the muscle or selecting a moderate-profile implant to provide better tissue coverage.
Both saline and silicone breast implants have been extensively studied for safety, and both are considered safe for breast augmentation. However, some patients prefer saline implants because the filler is a sterile saltwater solution that is easily absorbed by the body in the event of a rupture. Additionally, saline implants allow for smaller incisions and easier volume adjustments during surgery.
Most patients recover from saline breast implant surgery within 1 to 2 weeks, although it may take several months for the implants to fully settle and for swelling to resolve. During the initial recovery period, you will need to wear a supportive surgical bra, avoid strenuous activity, and follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal healing.
Yes, scarring is an inevitable part of any surgical procedure, but our surgeons take great care to place incisions in discreet locations, such as the inframammary fold (under the breast), around the areola, or in the armpit, to minimize their visibility. Over time, these scars typically fade and become less noticeable. Your surgeon will provide guidance on scar management and aftercare to promote optimal healing.
Many women are able to successfully breastfeed after saline breast implant surgery, but the ability to breastfeed can be affected by the surgical approach and implant placement. Choosing an incision location that avoids the milk ducts, such as the inframammary fold, can reduce the risk of breastfeeding complications. Your surgeon will discuss your breastfeeding goals during your consultation to help guide your surgical plan.
While breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, many women enjoy their results for decades without the need for replacement. However, some patients choose to replace their implants over time due to changes in personal preferences, aging, or the natural wear and tear of the implants themselves. Regular follow-up appointments and imaging, such as MRI or ultrasound, can help monitor the condition of your implants.
Yes, one of the benefits of saline breast implants is that they can be filled to a precise volume during surgery, allowing for greater control over size and symmetry. Your surgeon will help you select the appropriate implant size based on your body type, aesthetic goals, and existing breast tissue to achieve a natural, proportionate result.
Financing is available to ensure your dream results fit comfortably within your budget.
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