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Saline Breast Implant Size Similar with Silicone?

asked 3 years ago by mary joe in paris tx
Latest answer by Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Question viewed 946 times
Tags: breast size

I am having a hard time deciding between Saline breast implants and Silicone breast implants. My plastic surgeon has already given me a cc measurement for Silicone. If i choose to go with the Saline, does the same number of cc's Silicone apply? I've heard that you have to add 50cc or so when getting Silicone to equal with the Saline. Also, would bringing the size bra I would like be helpful so I dont end up too big? I am downsizing and am not wanting to be over a small D.

4 answers to Saline Breast Implant Size Similar with Silicone?

+2

There is no exact science to this

 As others have said, you need to unlock from any exact cup size requirements as the cannot be promised.  In my opinion, after 20 plus years of doing this, a cc for cc matching gel and saline implant will look slightly bigger in the silicone.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+2

We can never promise a cup or bra size

Although silicone is less dense than water, only in larger implant sizes will it make much of a difference between the 2. I use saline sizers when I place saline or silicone implants knowing that for a given volume the silicone implant will be a little smaller. I do not believe it will be a cup size difference so the 50cc point you discussed could apply to larger volume implants, i,e. mid to high 400cc and up. It is a bit tougher when you are down-sizing because you can look at the implants... more
Michael C. Edwards, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

www.medwardsmd.com

+2

Saline and silicone implants of the same volume are comparable

Given the the volume of a particular breast implant, a saline implant of say 300cc and a silicone implant of the the same 300cc are quite comparable. In fact in the procedure we often will use a generic sizer, a gel implant which can be reused to give an estimate of the necessary implant volume, and estimate of the pocket size. The comparison is of a general one however and the implant style such as a high profile silicone, or a cohesive gel silicone may alter the look substantially. It is... more
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

www.peterejohnsonmd.com

+2

Dimensions more important that volume

Implants with similar volumes come in different dimensions and implants with the same width come in different volumes. It is more important to do a dimensional analysis that is confirmed with the volume. Saline and silicone implants are not manufactured with easily interchangeable dimensions and volumes. FIrst decide on whether you want silicone or saline, then have your surgeon do the dimensional analysis. Bringing in the bra you would like to wear is always quite helpful so the surgeon... more
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

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