Prior to undergoing breast augmentation surgery, we want our patients to comprehend the differences between saline and silicone implants before choosing one for their procedure.
In the Bay Area, where individuality, subtlety, and natural aesthetics are deeply valued, patients often come to Harvard-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Ginger Xu looking for more than just a size increase. They want balance, softness, elegance, and results that feel authentically theirs.
Below, Dr. Xu breaks down each option in a simple, honest, and grounded way that’s rooted in her philosophy of natural beauty.
Saline vs. Silicone: What's the Real Difference?
Saline Implants
Dr. Xu fills saline implants with sterile saltwater after the shell is placed. This allows for slightly smaller incisions and minor volume adjustments during surgery. Saline implants generally feel firmer and can be an ideal choice for women who prefer more structured-looking implants.
However, saline implants are more predisposed to rippling in thin patients, and they tend to feel less natural than their silicone counterparts. These two reasons are why many Bay Area women lean toward silicone, especially if their objective is a soft, subtle result.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are pre-filled with cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the texture of natural breast tissue. They tend to look and feel more natural, hold their shape beautifully, and ripple less than saline.
Dr. Xu uses FDA-approved silicone implants for most of her patients because they integrate smoothly with the body, maintain long-term softness, and offer a more organic look—especially in women with a naturally petite frame.
A Special Note: Motiva Ergonomix® Implants
Motiva Ergonomix® implants represent a new generation of silicone technology. Their softer, dynamic gel allows them to move more like natural breast tissue, maintaining fullness when upright and softness when reclining.
Patients who want the most natural-feeling silicone implant, especially those who value Dr. Xu’s Small Breast Beauty aesthetic, often gravitate toward Motiva for its refined, elegant result.
What Dr. Xu Considers When Recommending Your Implant Type
Since there is no universally “best” implant, Dr. Xu customizes every surgical plan. During your consultation, she evaluates:
- Your natural anatomy (breast width, skin quality, tissue thickness)
- Your goals (subtle enhancement vs. fuller change)
- Lifestyle and activity level
- Whether you prefer the smallest possible implants
- Whether you want the softest and most natural feel
- Desired incision and placement options
She doesn’t force trends or one-size-fits-all solutions. Her goal is to match the implant to your definition of beauty.
The Beauty of Small, Natural-Looking Implants
One of Dr. Xu’s signature philosophies is Small Breast Beauty®, the idea that breast augmentation doesn’t need to be dramatic to be transformative.
Many of her Bay Area patients ask for:
- Small implants that enhance shape without overwhelming the frame
- A natural contour that complements an active lifestyle
- A soft, feminine silhouette that still looks “unoperated”
Natural-looking small breast implants, especially in the Motiva family, offer the gentle, graceful improvement many of Dr. Xu’s patients love.
Subfascial Placement: A Natural, Elegant Approach
Dr. Xu specializes in subfascial breast augmentation, an advanced technique where the implant sits beneath the fascia (a thin layer of connective tissue) but above the muscle.
This method:
- Preserves natural muscle movement
- Reduces the risk of animation deformity
- Offers a smooth, natural slope in the upper pole
- Works beautifully for smaller implants and patients seeking subtlety
For athletic women or those who want the soft, natural look without the downsides of submuscular placement, the subfascial technique is an excellent option.
Considering an Even More Natural Option: Fat Transfer
Many women are apprehensive to use implants because they do not want foreign materials in their bodies. Breast fat transfer, also called natural breast augmentation, uses your own fat to create a soft, understated enhancement.
This option may be ideal if you want:
- A modest size increase
- Very natural shape and softness
- No implants
- A refinement of the upper pole, cleavage line, or asymmetries
Fat transfer also pairs beautifully with small implants when the goal is subtle fullness with the most natural contour possible.
So… Which Implant Is Best for You?
Here’s a simplified guide that may help you determine which option is best for you:
Goal | Best Option |
Softest, most natural look | Silicone (Motiva) |
Petite frame wanting subtle enhancement | Small silicone implants / Motiva |
Ability to slightly adjust volume during surgery | Saline |
Most natural material possible | Fat transfer |
Most natural upper-pole slope | Subfascial placement with silicone |
Avoiding rippling | Silicone / Motiva |
Desire to avoid implants entirely | Fat transfer |
However, we want to be clear that we don’t overgeneralize in our practice. We will tailor your procedure to you: your goals, your body, and your preferences. Dr. Xu is an Ivy League trained plastic surgeon who is adept at using her skills, training, and diverse set of surgical tools to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Dr. Xu's Philosophy: Harmony Over Volume
Whether you’re drawn to saline, silicone, or fat transfer, Dr. Xu’s approach is always the same: to create a balanced, elegant result that looks like it belongs to you.
Her focus is not only about making the breasts bigger but on bringing harmony to the entire chest wall, rib cage, and frame. The end goal is beauty that feels effortless.
Ready to Explore Your Options? Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Xu Today!
If you are considering breast augmentation here in San Francisco or the Bay Area, meeting with Dr. Ginger Xu is the best way to understand which implant option aligns with your anatomy, your lifestyle, and your vision of natural beauty. Learn more about San Francisco breast augmentation at Ethos Plastic Surgery by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Xu today! Call (415) 504-1124 or fill out our website contact form to get started. We look forward to meeting you soon.