The two basic types of breast implants are saline filled breast implants and silicone filled breast implants. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Saline filled breast implants are plastic shells filled with sterilized salt water. The FDA has approved Saline filled breast implants for patients over the age of 18. Many women prefer saline implant because of the cost. Saline implants are up to 25% less expensive that silicone. Another reason is the implant is inserted deflated, allowing for a smaller incision and less scarring. The disadvantages of saline implants are more significant in transgender patients because of the lack of breast tissue, and patients frequently complain they don’t feel natural, and over time they have been known to ripple. Silicone gel breast implants are plastic shells filled with silicone gel. The FDA has approved silicone gel breast implants for patients over the age of 22. Advantages of silicone gel breast implants are they feel more natural, and are less likely to ripple. With silicone filled breast implants, the implant is inserted full size in the breast tissue. This calls for a longer incision with higher risk for scarring. Also, if the implant ruptures the silicone stays put, making it difficult to detect the rupture. Periodic check-ups are recommended. Form-stable breast implants are also known as gummy bear breast implants because they maintain shape if implant shell ruptures. The silicone has a thicker consistency which makes them firmer and less likely to break.