Replace Saline Implants with Silicone Implants?

asked 3 years ago by mary joe in paris tx
Latest answer by John P. Di Saia, MD
Question viewed 1,105 times
Tags: breast size

I currently have high profile saline breast implants. My plastic surgeon will be doing a removal/implant replacement with lift. He is pushing me towards silicone gel implants, and I told him I was just not sure I wanted silicone. I feel like my saline implants are fine, but he is very insistent I get the gel because they are lighter and produce a better result. I know the pros and cons of both I just dont know if I want silicone in my body. What are your thoughts on this matter, and his insistence?

7 answers to Replace Saline Implants with Silicone Implants?

Your choice about implant type

Without knowing more about your specific situation, especially the reason for replacing the implants, I can only comment in general terms. Most of my patients are choosing silicone gel implants because they tend to feel more natural. If you are going up in size this can be very important. However, since you are happy with saline, you shouldn't feel pushed into a decision to switch to silicone. Your doctor should give you the benefit of his or her advice and experience but the ultimate... more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

I agree with your surgeon, silicone gel is better with a breast lift

While I prefer silicone gel breast implants since they have been improved and released by the FDA, saline implants are a fine alternative if they are behind the muscle. Over the past few years I have found that when a breast lift is done with an augmentation it is better to put the implants under the breast and not the muscle. When the implants are under the muscle they stay high and over time the breast tissue descends and you get two different mounds. With the implants under the... more

Carl W. "Rick" Lentz III, MD
Daytona Beach Plastic Surgeon

Personal decision

Hi there- I think this is a very personal decision for most patients. There are a few circumstances in which I would make a recommendation to a patient, explaining why I think that particular choice might be better for her, but in the end, once I feel I have completely and honestly educated my patient about the pros and cons of the choices available, the decision should be hers. I do think that generally silicone gel filled implants will feel (and in most cases will also look) more... more

Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.DrArmandoSoto.com

Silicone gel is heavier than saline

Hello, Silicone gel implants have some advantages and some disadvantages. They are heavier for the same sized implant though. Just weigh saline and silicone gel implants side by side. Some patients don't like the risk aspect either of the gel leaking into their bodies. This is a matter of opinion. Just make sure you are OK with the risk profile of your chosen implants before you have the surgery.

John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant replacement is up to you!

Hi, Thank you for your question. It is difficult to determine what is best in your individual situation without knowing why you are having an implant replacement and lift. I would discuss with your surgeon exactly why he feels the silicone implants would be a better result for you and what he thinks your result would be if you go with the saline implants. Knowing all of your options as well as the potential outcomes of those options is very important. Never let anyone make that decision for... more

Sam Speron, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

It IS up to you!

You, ultimately, make the final decision of which devices you want in your body. lLsten to what your surgeon says and research both devices. This way you will make an educated decision on which ones you want and will not look back. never be coerced into a decision you are not comfortable with!

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD
Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

There are many factors to consider when choosing between a gel and saline filled breast implant

The absolute choice between a silicone gel implant and a saline implant is not always crystal clear. There are, in general, three groups of women. I want a gel implant, I want a saline implant, or what is the best implant for me. The last choice is left up to the surgeons understanding of your anatomy, physical shape of your breasts, thickness of your breast skin and tissue and your ultimate desire for size, shape and feel. It is not unusual for a woman to have concerns about the use... more

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

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