Saline implants, as you’ve probably guessed, are filled with saltwater. Interestingly, however, the outer shell used in these implants are still made of silicone.

Silicone implants use the same outer shell, but are instead filled with silicone gel. Note that while saline implants are filled after the shell has been surgically inserted, their silicone counterparts are essentially premade.

In part, that’s why saline implants require smaller incisions as the shell itself can be rolled and inserted into a narrow space. It’s also the reason why they allow for much drastic improvements in size.

Silicone implants only go up to 800 cubic centimeters (cc). Saline go way higher, with 600 to 700 cc being the average for XL breast surgery—but there are surgeons who allow volumes of up to 3,000 cc.

What about feel though? Despite having undergone improvements in the past years, saline implants still don’t feel as natural as those made of silicone.

Aside from having those differences, saline and silicone implants are unlike each other when it comes to rupture-related risks. Saline implants, given that they only contain saltwater, won’t really cause problems when ruptured.

The body is capable of processing extra sodium, or simply flushes it out. But of course, as the leak goes on for days, the implant would continue to collapse—eventually reaching a point where it becomes so noticeable.

Cases of ruptured silicone implants, on the other hand, aren’t as obvious. The gel may move into small spaces within the breasts, and could find its way into lymph nodes and other parts of the body.

Although that isn’t known to cause any sort of disease, it can lead to pain and discomfort—at least sometimes. Most often, silicone leaks remain undetected unless magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound is used.

And that’s why for women with silicone implants, it’s recommended to undergo regular checkups—particularly the kind that involves the use of such diagnostic tools.

In addition to ruptures, there’s the issue of rippling—creases on the implant itself that could become visible on the skin, most commonly near the side and bottom of the breasts, as well as around the cleavage.

While this happens to both saline and silicone implants, it’s more of a risk with the former. And aside from that, its chances of happening rises with the size of the implant.

This unsightly concern, unfortunately, cannot be resolved through non-surgical means. Fixing it may require implant repositioning, replacement, and in some cases, underfilling.

Finding out that they couldn’t keep their preferred size (and in the process spend even more on medical procedures) is surely frustrating for anyone who’s undergone XL breast surgery.

Ruptures and ripples are real dilemmas but they won’t affect everyone. Ruptures, for example, only has about a 10 percent chance of happening a full decade after getting saline-filled implants.

What’s guaranteed, however, is the discomfort and inconvenience that comes during recovery. With the kind of augmentation you’re aiming for, you will have to wear a surgical bra for at least four weeks.

Those surgical tape strips used to cover the wounds would have to stay in place for approximately six weeks. And of course, that means you won’t be able to take a shower for quite a long time.

Pain will be a bother as well, which will require you to take over-the-counter medication. If they don’t seem to be working enough, powerful pain meds may have to be prescribed.

Additional steps may likewise be needed to minimize scar formation and hardening. Checking for signs of bleeding and infection throughout the recovery phase is a must too.

Many of those who choose to get a boob job end up satisfied with the results, enjoying a boost in confidence and sexuality. As for the ones who opted for a much larger bust, well, standing out does become easier.

As a matter of fact, over two-thirds of women who had breast augmentation surgery claim to be satisfied with the results they’ve gotten—further highlighting the psychological perks of such a procedure.

Still, there are women who end up having follow-up surgery after facing disappointment. Also, it’s hard to tell whether these statistics really apply to women with larger-than-average implants given the lack specific studies.

Upon realizing that large implants cause back and shoulder pain, for example, some choose to get theirs reduced. The same can be said for those who’ve failed to foresee difficulties in physical or athletic activities.

Likewise, sagging becomes a bigger long-term issue with these breast augmentations, amplifying the effect of gravity on both youthful and aging skin. This is, of course, more noticeable with larger implants.

In some cases, regret comes from an uneven result—or less-than-perfect symmetry as the say. Not seeing the results that they’ve initially imagined to gain is another potential reason that could lead to dissatisfaction.