Thoughts on Switching from Saline to Silicone Implants?

asked 2 years ago by 3214anon in Chicago
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 206 times

I am 108 lbs, 31, no kids, w/ under the muscle salines 250 cc, for 10 years. They look great. What I want is: a more natural feel, look the same/better, better cleavage. The trade-offs of going to silicone concern me (rupture, health concerns, MRI's being needed). Thoughts?

7 answers to Thoughts on Switching from Saline to Silicone Implants?

Silicone

There are no specific health concerns to get silicone gel implants. The rates of complications between silicone and saline are about the same.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Changing from saline-filled to silicone gel-filled breast implants

If you are happy with your result and you look good, you should probably stay with your existing implants which have a number of advantages. You will not look better or have better cleavage with silicone gel implants unless you alter the dimensions of the implants as well as change them. If your goal is to change the size/dimensions of the implant then it might be worth considering gels when you change size or profile. With properly done saline-filled breast implants which it sounds... more

Scott L. Replogle, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

Silcone versus Saline implants: which is safer?

From a scientific standpoint, the existing data show that silicone implants have equivalent and even less risks than saline implants. Despite this reassurance, many women are still reluctant to undergo silicone augmentation preferring the "peace of mind" of saline implants. Silicones definitely tend to feel softer and more natural. However, there remains the issue of silent rupture and the need for MRI evaulation to establish implant integrity or lack of it. more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

You should get ahead and get silicone BA

I agree with what the other surgeons wrote in their answer. you are thin and there are definite advantages to silicone implants esp in thin patients. - less wrippling and more a natural feel. despite the FDA recommending mri every 2 yrs, i suspect almost everyone will ignore this suggestion. no one in europe or anywhere else in the world would do this. this is a result of fear about being sued by lawyers, rather than a fact based on hard science esp since we are now using largely... more

David E. Berman, MD
Sterling Plastic Surgeon

If you want Silicone Implants - get Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants have several advantages over Saline implants - they are lighter, they ripple less and they feel a LOT more natural. The vast majority of European women opt for silicone gel over saline breast implants. Switching your saline implants for slightly larger silicone gel implants would be a much less painless operation than the original breast augmentation. BUT - no operation is risk free and there is always a chance for complications. Remember "Better is the... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Thoughts on silicone implants

Generally, if you are happy with your current implants, stick with them. In considering silicone, they tend to be softer, more natural looking and feeling, less likely to ripple. They are more dense, and tend to look a bit smaller than corresponding size saline implants. Science does not support health issues. Insurance may be a problem (check with your policy admin), MRI's are recommended by FDA at 3 years, and then every two years. They also cost more. ... more

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Switch from saline to silicone implants

I don't think you should let your concerns about silicone implants prevent you from swapping implants. The new silicone implants are the most studied medical devices in history- the content of implant is a gel, so problems with liquid silicone leakage have been eliminated. The shell is a robust, thick silicone and is very durable. Although the FDA mandated routine MRI for silicone implant patients, the MRI should be reserved for detecting a ruptured silicone implant if it... more

Scott Sattler, MD
Bellevue Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question

Get Free Email Updates