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Saline to Silicone Implant Exchange

I went from a natural A cup to C cup in Dec 2008(saline implants). I went from a C cup to a D cup in Dec 2009 because I wanted larger breasts(saline implants). I am now happy with the size, but because I don't have much breast tissue, the rippling and the unnatural feel of the implant is bothersome. The look of them is nice, but I want them to feel more natural. Can I do an implant exchange for the same size in silicone? If so, how long should I wait before I do?

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by TrueSouthernBelle

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Silicone to saline

At this point in time, it sounds reasonable to undergo a transition from saline to silicone. You may require a slightly larger silicone implant to achieve comparable results.

Saline to Silicone

You could make the switch any time. If the implant pocket stays the same size and in the same plane (under or over the muscle), recovery is usually rapid. Lisa Lynn Sowder, M.D.

Breast Implant Change: Saline to SIlicone

Breast implant exchange for size is the most common reason why women elect to undergo revision breast augmentation. It sounds like you have a thin breast envelope which will allow you to feel the implant and the normal capsule which forms around the implant. Changing from saline to silicone will help with the feel of the implant and you may want to increase the volume slightly to achieve the same visual size. The rippling is more caused by the capsule around the implant which if you are... more

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Exchanging saline implants with silicone implants

What you are describing is really common, and many women now want to have their saline implant removed and replaced with silicone implants-- the look and feel is far more natural in most cases, in particular if the implant is placed behind the muscle. I would wait a couple of months before having the procedure, but in most cases this is a straight-forward procedure.

Changing Implants from Saline to Silicone

Many women have decided to change their implants from saline to silicone to improve, the look, feel and behavior of their implants. This is usually a very effective means to make improvements under local anesthesia and with little downtime. Waiting at least 4-6 months from the original procedure is usually sufficient. However, with each procedure there is additional scarring. There is one thing that you need to consider and that is the fact that silicone implants... more

Saline to Silicone

I agree that your rippling and concerns about feel would be improved with silicone implants. You did not state the location of your implants. If they are above the muscle, you would likely see improvement also with moving the silicone implants below the muscle. There is nothing to gain at this point with waiting.

Saline to Silicone implant exchange

A history lesson is needed before answering this question. When implants were first utilized around 40 years ago, they were made out of a variety of substances, none of which worked well, until Silicone was utilized. Two plastic surgeons in Houston, Texas, started using bags filled with a Silicone formulation, Dr's Cronin and Gerow. I believe that one of their sons worked for NASA in Houston and mentioned to dad that the lubricant they were using for the engines of the... more

Can I exchange my saline implants to same size silicone.

I believe that one can use a saline implant with good results if there is more breast tissue that implant. For example if you go from a B to a C cup. When there is more implant than breast tissue, saline will often cause the problems that you are describing. It is easy to exchange to the same size silicone implant. There is less chance of having rippling but you might still get it with gel implants. The large gel implants are more stable than large saline implants. Good luck. more

Saline to silicone implants

You certainly can have silicone implants in an exchange provided that you are at least 22 years of age. But, you still may get rippling. If rippling is a problem alloderm may help camouflage it.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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