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When patients are researching for breast implants in Dubai, one of the common questions they have is whether to choose saline breast implants or silicone breast implants

Dr. Faisal who is a UK board-certified and one of the best plastic surgeons in Dubai discusses the differences between the two, and the decision-making process he goes through when choosing between the two

There are multiple factors that can influence the decision to choose either saline or silicone implants. These can be broadly broken down to 3 factors:

  1. Implant performance and appearance
  2. The patient’s anatomy, desires, concerns
  3. The surgeon’s preference

All of these criteria must be considered prior to make the choice

Silicone is a naturally occurring compound that can also be made synthetically. By altering its molecule and increasing the cross-linking the material can be changed from a liquid to a more viscous gel or a more rubbery type material

All gels are more cohesive than liquids and by altering the cross-linking of the silicone the gel can be made more liquid or viscous. The more viscous silicone material is often referred to as ‘gummy bear’ implants due to the material not running even if the implant is cut.

Silicone breast implants were first introduced in the 1960s and have since been developed over time as different generations. We are currently using fifth generation silicone implants

Saline breast implants were also developed in the 1960’s

Implant Characteristics

There are several important characteristics to consider of implants

Of great importance is its ‘feel’ and how closely it mimics normal breast tissue.

Silicone gel-filled implants can be manufactured using different thicknesses of gels to impart different characteristics. A softer gel feels more like normal breast tissue. On the flip side, the firmer gel implants are able to hold their shape better.

Saline implants, by contrast, feel more firm than soft gel silicone implants, and this is more pronounced as the volume of saline increases

The softness of the implant is of more importance in patients lacking breast tissue, as the implant will form more of the volume of the breast. If a patient has ample breast tissue then the softness of the implant is of less concern. The more the implant forms the volume of a patient’s breast the more the characteristics of the implant become important. This is particularly true when using larger implants or in patients who are having a revision procedure following implant surgery previously.

The natural tendency of tissue is to yield to the pressure applied by the implant. This causes tissue to thin out and stretch over time.  This means that in these revision cases if saline implants or highly cohesive silicone implants are used, then they will be more palpable

If a patient has to have their breast fold lowered to accommodate the size of their implant, then the implant will basically form the lower part of their breast as there will be very little breast tissue or muscle to cover it here. The characteristics of the implant in these situations will be felt

Silicone breast implants come prefilled by the manufacturer, and therefore their volume is fixed

Saline breast implants are filled by the surgeon and so there is room for variability in the operating theatre

The softer silicone gels and saline implants are less shape stable and are influenced by gravity. Gravity will cause the filler material to be evenly spread in a lying position but more in the lower part of the implant material in the upright position.

An implant that has a more cohesive silicone gel will have a shape that is stable in every position. This is desirable in patients who are lacking their own tissue, a cohesive implant will give a more predictable and better shape than a softer gel or silicone implant

Shape stable breast implants are even more advantageous in revision procedures where rippling, thin skin, and shape deformities must be corrected. These highly cohesive implants can be thought of as shape-altering devices in addition to adding volume.

Rupture of a breast implant is now a rare event. This is a characteristic in which saline and silicone implants differ greatly. When a saline breast implant ruptures the fluid immediately leaks out and there is an immediate reduction in the volume of the breast. This is very distressing for both the patient and the surgeon

Another obvious difference between saline and silicone breast implants is the ease of insertion. Because saline implants are filled after insertion, they can be inserted through very small incisions. This allows their use in the axillary approach and the peri-areolar. Silicone breast implants require a larger incision and as such are restricted to the incision in the breast fold

There have been a few controversies surrounding silicone implants. During the 1980s a few cases of autoimmune type illness caused a ban of silicone devices in the US. Following extensive research, no direct link has been found and these implants have now been reintroduced

More recently a type of lymphoma has been associated with silicone implants. The incidence 1:30000 and as yet there have been no reported deaths from the disease. The association is linked to the type of surface on 1 particular brand of implant. This has now been removed from the market.

In conclusion, Dr. Faisal feels that silicone breast implants are his preferential choice. They provide a safe and natural feeling implant. They can be tailored with regard to the shape a patient may be looking for.

Patient Testimonials


Today I have met BEST surgeon for my Hair Transplant & BOTOX. It is an amazing experience. Dr. Faisal Salim has displayed the qualities of excellence, unyielding focus on perfection and skilled surgical precision. Moreover he is honest, dedicated, passionate & one of the best human being. Thank you Faisal for the treatment and comprehensive detailing & time prior the treatment.
Aadel Hameed
Aadel Hameed
08/03/2023
I am an Italian woman and I would like to share my amazing experience with Dr. Faisal. When I decided to have my breast augmentation I visited several doctors, and I must say that every time I was more and more confused because I always received different advice and I felt a little lost. However, I decided to continue searching and found Dr. Faisal's profile on google, read some of his reviews and contacted him for a consultation. For the first time I really felt listened to, where I wasn't a "30 min visit" to sell the operation, but it was me as a person. Dr. Faisal asked me many questions to make me feel at ease and understand what my goals were (there was no time, he was just listening to me). I had finally left the studio happy, and sure he was the right surgeon. I want to clarify that I am a super sporty girl (I do running, CrossFit, kickboxing, tennis hiking), and also during the appointment, for me the most important aspect was to obtain a natural effect and be able to continue to do my sports activities as before. So I took a couple of weeks where every time I needed clarification he asked me to stop by the studio to explain me everything in detail! After my thousand dramas I decided the date of the operation :) it was a Friday. The day after I went out for a walk (Dr. please don't read, that I promised you I would be rested). On Monday I was already back to work and on Wednesday I could already drive. As for sport, I followed everything the Dr. advised me and after about 3 weeks I was back to running a bit. After about 5 weeks I was back to doing some weights. Now after 3 months I'm back to doing all my sports. I was already super happy with the result after the operation, now is absolutely incredible. I hope my experience can help other people because in addition to professionalism, he is a doctor who truly listens and cares about the person's happiness and I can't recommend him enough.
thuy lan pham
thuy lan pham
26/02/2023
I had the pleasure of seeing Dr. Faisal recently and can confidently say he is one of the best doctors I have ever had. he is incredibly knowledgeable and provides incredibly thorough explanations, treatment plan. and never rushes me through an appointment. In addition, He is genuinely concerned about my wellbeing. I highly recommend Dr. Faisal for anyone searching for an amazing doctor.
Obaid Qahash
Obaid Qahash
13/02/2023
I highly recommend Dr Faisal to anyone thinking of undergoing surgery. I had a few consultations with other Drs but instantly i had a really good feeling when discussing everything with Dr Faisal. He really took the time to listen and understand exactly what I wanted to achieve. He reassured all the way through the process and made me feel so at ease. I had done extensive research (15 years) before I decided to do the surgery of Breast Augmentation. Dubai can be a minefield trying to find the right surgeon but he came highly recommended from many people and I now know why. I’m so happy with my results.
Sophia Adams
Sophia Adams
31/01/2023
I had the best experience with Dr.Faisal for my 360 lypo surgery. Starting from my very first consultation in which he was very welcoming and open to listening to what I was looking to achieve. He really took my case with all care and professionalism, and I couldn’t be happier with what we achieved. Beyond his professional capabilities, his after care and support post operation has been second to none. I highly recommend Dr.Faisal to anyone who is looking to do any cosmetic work- minor or major in Dubai, there is no need to travel abroad looking for better doctors or prices ..etc. Dr.Faisal’s procedure and care have been the utmost best in class.
M. E.
M. E.
28/01/2023
I decided to undergo lower eyelid surgery with Dr. Faisal Salim after many years of having a complex and I can truly say that it was one of the best choice I've made. Knowing Dr. Faisal for some years I had plenty of faith that he would do a great job. His care to detail, precision, and overall perfectionist that he is are what made me put my trust in him to perform my surgery and it shows as I'm highly happy with the result!
Essa Hezek
Essa Hezek
14/10/2022
I am 27 yrs old and I had a desire of getting larger and proportionate breasts since my younger age. When I researched surgeons and was looking through many, many galleries of results, I wasn’t impressed by almost any of the doctor's work. After a long search, I came across the website of Dr. Faisal Salim, read his reviews, and looked at his results. I was so happy and just knew i had to do a consultation with him! I spoke with his clinic first on the phone and she gave me so much information even before booking a consultation with a doctor. From the first tele conversation, I was so impressed, and comfortable and felt that they cared about me as a patient. I went to my consultation where he explained every part of the procedure and answered all my questions. As we have a family history of breast cancer, Dr Faisal referred me to do an ultrasound mammogram, along with a health screening and tests to check i was a proper candidate for surgery. When I was cleared I had my surgery in October 2021, and have had many checkups with Dr. Faisal since he is very involved and wanting to make sure i have the best results. He and his team are better than I could have imagined. I have had a lot of friends, and even strangers ask me to know my doctor's name because they are wondering about my result. I recommend him to every female out there wanting the Best Results!!!
Emma Fernandez
Emma Fernandez
14/10/2022
I am very grateful to Dr. Faisal Salim for helping me to get rid of my post-pregnancy and post-delivery tummy weight. He explained the procedure to me very clearly and was very patient in doing so. I have been able to look like my old self again, all thanks to Dr. Faisal Salim. Thank you, Dr. Faisal Salim!!!
Kayla Heyden
Kayla Heyden
14/10/2022
I would highly recommend anyone anyone who is thinking about Breast augmentation in the UAE to consult with Dr. Faisal Salim. The whole experience from start to finish has been highly professional and he truly listens to the outcome you want and advises appropriately based on his many years of experience. He also has an extremely supportive team and a good communication system which means you are still supported and reviewed weeks after the procedure. If you are thinking about having this procedure done, go and consult with Dr. Faisal. He will give you a good overview of the procedure so you can make the best decision for you and your body.
Adrena Haidel
Adrena Haidel
14/10/2022
I had been thinking about getting a tummy tuck for years but I was so afraid of doing it. I had been searching for various surgeons because I knew it is an extensive surgery. But when I met Dr. Faisal Salim, I just knew he was the one I was searching for. After my first consultation with him, I got a confidence of doing tummy tuck surgery. It has been 6 months since my procedure and the result is amazing. He and his staff were welcoming, friendly, attentive and answered to all my questions in a positive way. I had a wonderful experience at his clinic, and his staffs were more caring. Thank you for your entire support and caring you had given me during my days in your clinic
sfanwar 20
sfanwar 20
12/10/2022
B-Spoke by Dr Faisal Salim