Saline Breast Implants

Saline implants are silicone implants that are filled with saline. These can be used for breast augmentation or breast reconstruction. The saline implant is often misunderstood as having only saline as its only substance for the implant. But the shell itself that contains the saline liquid is entirely silicone just like the silicone gel implant. It is slightly different conjugate of silicone, but it is silicone indeed just like silicone in the knee joint or and a brain shunt or in a heart valve or in a pacemaker. Silicone is used in millions of different medical devices including intravenous catheters feeding tubes and other medical devices.

The saline that is used to fill the saline implant is a balanced salt solution that is exactly the same solution that is used for intravenous fluids in the hospital for patients that are ill.  As a result if the implant does rupture which is quite rare this saline solution is balanced and absorbed into your body with no ill effect at all.

If the implant does rupture usually the patient is unaware of it until they wake up the next morning and see that their breast is much smaller on one side.

The saline implant is really quite resilient.  Once its filled you can placed on the floor and stand on this implant and it will not rupture.  Dr. Jacobsen will demonstrate this to you see you can see how strong these implants are.

If you are looking for an affordable breast implant in Phoenix, the saline implant is an excellent implant. The advantage of the implant is it’s much less expensive and about 50% of the cost of the silicone gel implant. Although people are often afraid cheap breast implants in Phoenix, cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean you are receiving service that is of lesser quality or value.

In fact, the saline implant is in excellent implant. Another advantage of the implant is that it can be placed for breast augmentation through a much smaller incision. The silicone gel implant is pre-filled and must be pushed into the breast through an incision which usually is much larger than the incision that is utilized for a saline implant. The saline implant can be implanted into the patient’s through a much smaller incision because it is implanted empty and through a small tube then filled once the implant is inside the patient. As a result, the implant incision for the surgery is much smaller from LEFT to RIGHT if this is an issue for you as a patient.  But the differences between the 2 incisions is really quite minor and most women’s incisions heal really quite favorably and the slightly longer length of the incision for a silicone gel implant is usually not an issue to women.

The saline implant is equivalent to the more sophisticated feel of the gel implant if the patient already has significant breast tissue. In other words, if you already have a medium or full-size breast and wish to be larger then the saline implant is excellent for you because you will not feel the implant because the implant is well hidden behind your breast tissue. However, if you are quite a thin woman with little breast tissue and wish to have a breast augmentation you will feel the nature of the implant significantly through the skin when someone hugs you or touches you. So thin ladies with very little breast tissue benefit more from a silicone gel implant where ladies with already some fullness to their breasts will be just fine with a saline implant and will not be able to tell the difference.

Dr. Jacobsen will be happy to tell you whether or not the gel implants will be of benefit to you rather than the saline implants and whether it is worth the additional cost to you or not.

What do you do if your implant ruptures?  Usually it is not an emergency, but patients usually are very eager to have their breasts restored to the normal volume they had prior to the rupture.  Usually the exchange of the implant is a very simple operation for women to undergo an much easier than the original augmentation surgery because there is no additional muscular work that is typically needed .  Usually the capsule or the scar that surrounds the implant needs to be removed or modified to restore the shape to the breast.  Often it is the capsule itself that causes the implant to rupture.

A breast capsule is a scar that forms around the implant.  This scar is a natural phenomenon that the body forms around any foreign body at all inside you whether it is a piece of glass under your skin or a piece of pencil lead in your hand or a pacemaker or breast implant.  Usually the capsule at forms is soft and is entirely not noticeable to you.  But in some patients the scar can thicken.  The healing cells, the fibroblasts, are the scar forming cells and within these cells there are microscopic clusters of involuntary muscle.  This muscle within the scar tissue then contracts or tightens and ultimately can tighten around the implant in your body’s attempt to try to push this implant out of your body.  Your body is trying to push the implant out just as it would push out a piece of glass or a piece of pencil lead under your skin out of your skin.  This is exactly the same phenomenon that occurs with breast implants.

When a saline implant ruptures it typically is not from trauma.  The rupture is from the capsule to tightens around the implant causing folds in the implant.  As you walk around doing your normal activities of daily living these little folds then rub back-and-forth continuously and ultimately create a hole in the implant.  It is very rare, and I have not seen any breast implant whether it is saline or silicone that is ruptured as a result of trauma.  Dr. Jacobsen has never had the experience of seeing of breast implant rupture from a car accident or from a fall.  Dr. Jacobsen has had patients that have had severe trauma to their chest and their implants are intact despite rib fractures that may have occurred right directly adjacent to the implant after a motor vehicle accident for instance.

So, the saline implants are quite resilient as are the gel implants.

Dr. Jacobsen has seen many women over the years that have had chronic rupture of their implants and they have been unaware of this.  Usually at this point the implant is entirely deflated of the saline fluid and the implant is folded up much like if you held in your hand and punched it up into your hand.  The body forms the capsule around it separating it from the rest of your body.  In this way generally, the ruptured implant is not harmful to you.

Each rupture of a saline implant is taken seriously.  The implant is sent back to the manufacturer, Mentor, who then examines the implant very carefully under the microscope.  They can generally determine the cause of the rupture.  They can tell if this is caused by a sharp object, by folds caused from capsular contracture, or by shell failure itself.  Dr. Jacobsen wanted to provide the best saline breast implants in Phoenix he could, so he visited the laboratory for the Mentor Corporation in Dallas, Texas and has spoke with the scientists and engineers regarding their manufacturing process, product safety and their quality assurance process for examining the cause of ruptured implants. Mentor has focused years of time and care into creating the shell of the saline implant to make it resilient to rupture or injury of any kind, yet remaining soft and supple so that it feels natural in your body for the remainder of your life.

Dr. Jaconsen has been performing breast augmentations with saline breast implants in Phoenix for years and should not be thought of as inferior to a silicone gel implant. When used properly and filled properly can give it a great result and most observers after the fact could not tell whether or not a saline or gel implant was used unless the examiner is specifically trained or the patient has very thin skin. Saline breast implants can provide you with the same value that any other breast implant surgery in Phoenix can.

Dr. Jacobsen is a big proponent of saline breast implants in Phoenix. Saline breast implants are an excellent choice and should not be thought of as inferior to a silicone gel implant. When utilized correctly, a saline breast implant can give a great result that most observers would not be able to tell if a saline or gel implant was used – unless the examiner is specifically trained or the patient has very thin skin.

When the patient has significant breast tissue prior to breast augmentation, the saline implant is placed behind the muscle of the breast and the implant can barely be felt. You or others will only be able to feel your own skin breast tissue and muscle because the implant is well behind these and you will not be able to tell the difference between the gel implant and a saline implant.  When a woman has very little breast tissue or is very thin, sometimes the quality of the gel implant can be appreciated, but for the most part a saline implant will be what most women will find a saline implant is favorable.  Since the price of the saline implant is generally $550 a pair and a pair of the gel implants is $1300, the favorable pricing of the saline implant combined with its benefits make it a great choice for many women.

If you are interested in breast implant surgery in Phoenix, please feel free to have a look at our page for Dr. Jacobsen’s breast implant recommendations to learn more about Dr. Jacobsen’s approach.

Cheap Breast Implants Phoenix

Affordable Breast Augmentation Phoenix – Saline Implant Pricing

Total All-Inclusive Fees$ 5,190
Dr Js Surgical Fees$ 3,000
Saline Implants$ 650
Garment$70
Payment to Dr Jacobsen$3,720
Estimated Anesthesia Fee$720
Payment to St Joe’s SurgiCenter$750
Total Payments$5,190

Dr J and his staff look forward to understanding the details of your unique case, desires and aspirations, and to providing you with realistic, safe and attainable results that leave you looking beautiful, and truly feeling like yourself. Take the first step toward your healing or rejuvenating procedure with Dr J by filling out our contact form to request a consultation, or to inquire about any of the services we offer. We look forward to treating you!


4.8 Average Rating  |  Click to view over 386 reviews



4.6 Average Rating  |  Click to view over 185 reviews



4.8 Average Rating  |  Click to view over 210 reviews
  • Dr. J has an amazing personality and the surgery was quick, painless, and perfect. I didn’t even need to take any painkillers after I woke up. I look and feel so much better. Would highly recommend him to anyone considering surgery. The staff was also incredibly easy to work with. All around great office energy and the medical staff at the surgery center are so sweet.

    Crystal Greer Avatar Crystal Greer
    July 12, 2021
  • I’m 9 days post op and I’m very happy with the results so far (still healing). Dr. J is easy to talk to. I went in for a consult and was able to schedule the procedure for the very next week. All went very well. I was so afraid to remove the bandages - I was expecting a bloody/bruised mess. I was pleasantly surprised to see tiny incisions with no scabbing or bruising. I’m very impressed.

    Olimpia Garner Avatar Olimpia Garner
    April 24, 2021
  • Enjoyed meeting and working with Dr. J. I had an eye lift and it was a pleasant experience from start to finish. Dr. J’s bed side manner is very personable and genuine. He explained everything step by step and made the procedure very painless. Even though I’m from Minnesota - I will be coming to Dr. J for any future cosmetic surgical needs. I cannot recommend Dr. J enough.

    Trudy Hart Petersen Avatar Trudy Hart Petersen
    April 24, 2021
  • What a brilliant human! I’m so thankful for finding this amazing genius. I’ve struggled with skin sagging since my weight loss surgery. My arms were my nemesis, I have other skin removal surgeries to have in the future but my arms were really my starting point and I had went to try to freeze the remaining stubborn fat and skin to hopefully shrink. Yeah that didn’t work. Then I found this guy, he’s awesome, his staff is awesome and professional and I cannot say thank you enough to this life changing leap into the rest of my journey. I truly and blessed to have had the opportunity to be able to experience the joy he has for his craft. He has truly changed my life. Thank you Dr. J.

    Sholeena Gable Avatar Sholeena Gable
    January 8, 2021
  • I, Theresa Buschbacher, prepared this review and submitted it on my husband,s account. Superb, Excellent, Caring, Compassionate, Knowledgeable, Experienced, these are all descriptive terms that one must earn. Dr.J has completely filled the requirements of each and every of these terms and they can all equally be applied to him. His knowledge immediately puts you at ease (and when what he says will happen does actually happen, you get a big smile inside and you know you have a relationship with an excellent doctor)! Now for the support staff, they relate to you and express a genuine concern for what you are going through. They work with you and put you at ease while accomplishing what is needed for the “business end” of the doctor’s office. This is a WINNER!!

    Mike Buschbacher Avatar Mike Buschbacher
    December 16, 2020
  • Dr. Jacobsen and his staff did such an amazing job taking care of me. Went in for my consultation on Tuesday and they were able to get me in surgery by Thursday. By far the best prices in the valley after searching everywhere! Incredible care! I have referred all my friends to Dr. Jacobsen!

    C D Avatar C D
    November 13, 2020
  • I got in right away. I felt very reassured that I was in very professional caring hands. I highly recommend Dr. Jacobsen. The staff was very friendly. The office was very nice and comfortable. My experience was beautiful. I’m very thankful to have been his patient today. ❤️

    Aimee Beth Avatar Aimee Beth
    November 6, 2020
  • This will be a long review but worth the read! I'm beyond impressed with the overall quality, cleanliness, prices, customer service and results. First impressions, their branding of their classy theme provided an elegance that I felt right at home. I felt like a king who was going to get the best treatment! Secondly, very clean... I mean this place was immaculate! You can tell these folks worked hard to build their business and put in the work to upkeep it! As a business owner myself I applaud the way they conduct their business and never loose their family values, that caring, compassionate, family oriented value that most businesses start off with but loose over time. I can tell that money is not their passion. Their customers results are, the smiles and cries one has when they see their results. I was terrified of anesthesia, and when I expressed my concerns about my PTSD the surgeon, anesthesiologist and staff all took the time to sit with me and listen to me then proceed with a break down of how well they were going to take care of me and make sure I have the best experience possible. In which I certainly did! And best part I didn't wake up out of it, scared, panicking or anything like that. I was a little tired of course, but I went live for my fans soon as I got in the car. I felt comfortable the entire time I was waiting and when my nerves were really high I was honest and told them. They put in the extra love to make sure I was ok. When I went back and they gave me whatever magical cocktail, I felt as my procedure was 4 seconds. I didn't wake up during surgery, didn't hear anything nor wake up in pain! Everything they could have possibly done right they absolutely did! I felt safe too. And when I had questions after they were great about responding and following up. The cleanliness was great, and they took all precautions during this time of COVID-19. I knew the day I met Dr. Jacobson during my consultation that he had to be my surgeon! I hope this review helps viewers make that final decision on choosing Dr. Jacobson as their surgeon and if anyone has questions you are more then welcome to ask and I will answer to the best of my abilities? Thank you Dr. Jacobson and your staff?? my results are incredible! And I'm not even fully healed yet and I can't stop staring at my chest! It's a dream come true and it wouldn't have be possible without you and your staff. God bless!

    Darian Terrell Avatar Darian Terrell
    October 12, 2020
  • Got my breast augmentation and lift done here so amazed and pleased with the results hands down a wonderful surgeon and gentleman 5stars all the way around

    Jessica Shipman Avatar Jessica Shipman
    October 3, 2020
  • Dr J is absolutely brilliant. His office and staff are out of this world and his demeanor is so friendly and up beat. He makes you feel like you are in the best possible hands... And you are! The Surgeon I met with before I saw Dr J told me I would need a general anesthetic for my surgery and likely a skin graft. I was terrified. Went to Dr J for a second opinion and he was totally nonchalant about what needed to be done. He did it a week later in his office with just some local freezing and it was amazing! No problems at all. I would never see another Dr for surgery. Dr J is truly above the rest! Even his peers give him awards. His office is full of them! Big hugs to him and his staff for turning this in a happy ending from a scary start.

    Michelle Suzuki Avatar Michelle Suzuki
    October 2, 2020

Get started today!

Dr J and his staff are committed to providing you with exceptional and compassionate care. On behalf of our entire team, we invite you to request a consultation to talk to Dr J about your goals, expectations and aspirations. We can’t wait to find out how our 20-plus years of experience in cosmetic and functional plastic surgery can help change your life, and make you a happier, healthier person.

Dr. William Jacobsen
Plastic Surgery
2525 East Arizona
​Biltmore Circle, Suite C236
Phoenix, AZ  85016

Phone: 602-212-0100
Fax: 602.279.1701
info@drjsoffice.com

Our Procedures & Treatments

Dr J considers every surgery an opportunity to express his vision with his patients, and believes in natural, beautiful results that leave you feeling confident and beautiful, but most importantly, feeling like yourself. From extremely rare and complex surgical cases, to cosmetic surgery, Dr J has the experience, compassion and understanding to help you achieve your surgical goals.

Request an Appointment

Copyright © 2017 Dr. William M. Jacobsen Plastic Surgery.