If you’re considering breast augmentation, choosing the right type of implant is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. For decades, MENTOR™ has been a trusted name in breast implants, offering both saline-filled and MemoryGel™ silicone-filled options designed to meet different aesthetic goals and preferences. But how do you choose between saline vs gel implants?
In this guide, we’ll compare MENTOR™ Saline Breast Implants and MENTOR™ MemoryGel™ Breast Implants in terms of look, feel, safety, complications, customization options, and more—so you can make an informed decision tailored to your body and lifestyle.
Understanding the Basics: Saline vs Gel
Saline breast implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution and inserted empty, allowing surgeons to adjust volume during surgery. This flexibility makes them ideal for fine-tuning size and correcting asymmetry. MENTOR™ SPECTRUM™ Adjustable Saline Implants even allow volume changes for up to six months post-op. Saline implants tend to feel firmer and create a fuller, rounder appearance, which some patients prefer. Because the body naturally absorbs saline in the event of a rupture, they also offer a reassuring safety profile.
MENTOR™ MemoryGel™ Implants come pre-filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the softness and movement of natural breast tissue. The gel holds its shape uniformly and offers a realistic, natural feel. Though they can’t be adjusted after placement, MemoryGel™ Implants provide smooth contours and are available in various profiles and textures. With a strong yet flexible shell and some of the industry’s lowest long-term complication rates, they are a trusted choice for patients seeking long-lasting, natural-looking results.
Look and Feel
If you’re looking for the most natural feel, MENTOR™ MemoryGel™ Breast Implants are the clear choice. Their soft, cohesive silicone gel provides a texture that closely resembles natural breast tissue.
- Soft, natural feel chosen by millions of women¹
- Thin but durable shell designed for strength without sacrificing softness²
Saline implants tend to feel firmer than gel implants and may have more visible rippling under the skin—especially in women with less natural breast tissue.
- MENTOR™ Saline Implants offer a fuller, firmer feel and enhanced cleavage
- Ideal for patients who prefer or require more volume control
Whether you want the soft, natural feel of MENTOR™ MemoryGel™ or the firmness and flexibility of MENTOR™ Saline Implants, GLOW Surgical Arts is here to guide you every step of the way.
Customization: Projection and Profile Options
Both MENTOR™ saline and gel implants are available in various profiles and sizes to fit different body types and aesthetic goals.
- MENTOR™ MemoryGel™ Portfolio includes smooth or textured shell options and multiple profiles
- MENTOR™ Round Saline Implants offer Moderate, Moderate Plus, or High Profiles
- SPECTRUM™ Adjustable Saline Implants allow volume adjustments for up to six months post-op
This makes saline implants especially useful for patients who want post-surgical size flexibility or for surgeons performing staged procedures.
Safety and Complication Rates
MENTOR™ MemoryGel™ Breast Implants have consistently shown excellent safety data in long-term studies. In fact, they report the lowest incidence of capsular contracture, reoperation, and explantation at 10 years among round gel implants³.
Common complications for both implant types include:
- Capsular contracture
- Implant rupture
- Reoperation
- Changes in nipple sensation
Saline implants, while firmer, do offer peace of mind for some patients because any rupture is immediately noticeable and the saline is harmlessly absorbed by the body.
Gel implants, in contrast, may require an MRI or ultrasound scan to detect a silent rupture. However, the gel is designed to remain cohesive even in the case of rupture.
Long-Term Results and Maintenance
MENTOR™ MemoryGel™ Breast Implants are designed for longevity and natural-looking results. Their cohesive gel helps them retain shape and position better over time, especially for women with thinner skin or less breast tissue.
Saline implants may be more prone to visible wrinkling or shifting with age, but they remain a reliable choice for many patients who prioritize adjustability and a firmer look.
Patient Satisfaction and History
MENTOR™ has been a leader in breast implant innovation for over 40 years. Their implants are trusted by millions of women worldwide.
In a 10-year core clinical study:
- MENTOR™ MemoryGel™ patients reported high satisfaction rates for both aesthetic and physical comfort outcomes⁴
- Patients appreciated the natural look and feel that silicone gel provided
Saline implants, although less popular in recent years, remain a preferred option for individuals who desire a firmer feel or prefer saline for personal or health-related reasons.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | MENTOR™ MemoryGel™ | MENTOR™ Saline |
| Fill Material | Silicone cohesive gel | Sterile saltwater (saline) |
| Feel | Soft, natural | Firmer |
| Incision Size | Slightly larger (pre-filled) | Smaller (filled after insertion) |
| Rupture Detection | MRI or ultrasound may be needed | Immediately noticeable |
| Customization | Various profiles and shell options | Adjustable volume with SPECTRUM™ |
| FDA Approved For | Women 22+ (augmentation) | Women 18+ (augmentation) |
Who Should Choose MemoryGel™ Implants?
Choose MENTOR™ MemoryGel™ Breast Implants if you:
- Want the most natural look and feel
- Have thin breast tissue and want to minimize rippling
- Are looking for a long-term, cohesive, and stable implant
These implants are ideal for women who prioritize subtle, natural contours and softness, especially after pregnancy.
Who Should Choose Saline Implants?
You may prefer MENTOR™ Saline Breast Implants if you:
- Want volume adjustability during or after surgery
- Prefer a firmer, more augmented appearance
- Prioritize peace of mind with immediate rupture detection
- Are under 22 and seeking implants for cosmetic reasons (FDA requires age 22+ for silicone)
Saline implants are also commonly used in revision surgeries and for patients who value adjustability, such as those choosing SPECTRUM™ Adjustable Implants.
Combining Saline and Silicone Approaches
In some advanced breast augmentation procedures, a combination approach may be used to optimize both flexibility and final aesthetic results. For example, a surgeon may initially use saline implants—such as the MENTOR™ SPECTRUM™ Adjustable Saline Implants—to allow for gradual size adjustments during the healing process.
Once the desired volume and breast symmetry are achieved, these temporary implants can be replaced with MENTOR™ MemoryGel™ Implants for a more natural look and feel. This staged technique offers the benefits of customization early on, while still providing long-term, natural-looking results. Our surgeon will guide you through the best approach based on your goals, anatomy, and lifestyle.
Let GLOW Surgical Arts Help You Decide
At GLOW Surgical Arts, we understand that choosing between saline vs gel implants is a highly personal decision that goes beyond just appearance—it’s about how you want to feel in your body every day. That’s why we take a thoughtful, individualized approach during your consultation.
Our experienced surgical team will evaluate your body type, breast anatomy, health history, skin elasticity, and desired outcome to help determine which implant option aligns best with your goals. Whether you’re looking for the adjustability and firmer feel of saline or the soft, natural texture of cohesive gel, we’ll guide you through each option with honesty and clarity. Our priority is to ensure that you feel confident, informed, and supported throughout every step of your journey.
Book your consultation today to explore your options and take the next step toward a more confident you.