Breast Implants: Q&A

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Will Smaller Breast Implants Be Less Visible Through the Skin?

I have very little breast tissue and went from a nearly A cup to a C cup. I am trying to weigh my options as my implants are not only very visible with rippling, you can feel every part of the implant through the skin. I am very fearful of Silicone implants, and I'd like to know, will getting my current implants replaced with smaller Saline implants make a noticeable difference?

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16 Doctor Answers | Asked by Jai in Louisville, KY

Doctor Answers (16)
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Silicone implants may be your best option

For very thin women, the risk of noticeble rippling exists regardless of what type of implant is used or where it is placed. However, I have found that this risk can be reduced with silicone implants which are modest in size placed behind the muscle. These implants are FDA approved and are used extensively for breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. I stress to all of my patients that the risk of rippling still does exist, but this is the best way to reduce that risk and it is... more

Discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon!

Your question is actually very difficult because I do not have the opportunity to examine you or have photographs to review. Rippling and visible edges of the implant are potential problems with breast augmentation and may be due to several causes. You are correct in noting that decreasing the size of the implant may help. Typically placing the implants in a subpectoral position--beneath the chest wall muscle--softens the outline of the implant. Other factors that need to be... more

Smaller implants placed under the muscle may help

Using smaller implants placed under the muscle may help the problem, but it may be that the best option is changing to a silicone implant. Talk to your surgeon about what is the right answer for your particular case.

Smaller breast implants

It would sound as if you do not have much "cover" over your prostheses. Although there are many different variables in your situation, in my experience, using smaller, round, smooth silicone implants placed behind the muscle could improve the situation

Not likely

Hi there, The causes of implant visibility and rippling are usually related to thin tissues, stretched skin, and the thin nature of saline. While these problems can be minimized by placing implants currently on top of the chest muscle under it, the most effective way to improve rippling and the ability to feel the implant is to replace them with silicone. I certainly understand your apprehension about this, and would refer you to the Institute of Medicine's Report on Silicone Breast... more

Rippling in saline vs. silicone gel implants

Unfortunately, saline implants have a higher risk of potential rippling and palpation. They are not recommended for women who have very little breast tissue to begin with and/or low percentage of body fat. Basically, if you do not have enough coverage, you would be a better candidate for silicone gel. Silicone is FDA approved now since it is a cohesive gel, meaning it does not enter the bloodstream or cause any side effects if there is a malfunction or defect in the implant. It is... more

Silicone gel implants are as safe as saline implants and are less likely to show rippling.

I think your fears about silicone gel are unfounded and they probably are the best solution to your problem. Many women who were required to have saline implants in the 90's have changed over to silicone gel. Going above or below the muscle is of no importance with silicone gel although it clearly is with saline.

Rippling and chest wall

Rippling develops because the soft tissue coverage over the implant is too thin. If you have rippling, there are several things that can be done. First, if they are above the muscle they should probably go under. Silicone tends to ripple less than saline. You may also want AlloDerm placed to enhance the soft tissue coverage. Remember that the lower pole is the area where all implants are usually most palpable.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Size is relative

Size is relative when it comes to breast implants. What may be small for one woman's breast tissue may be large for another woman's breast tissue. Also, you need to distinguish between size and volume. If you get a smaller size (diameter), then it may not be he correct dimensions for your chest/breast shape and will be very visible. If you go with too small or to large of volume, then the implant may be visible due to the effect on the overlying tissue. All of these factors play a part... more

New saline filled implant begining clinical trials in US

Thin skin and saline implants do not do well together. Silicone gel implants are one good alternative but these implants may also be visible through the skin. If you are truly fearful of the gel filled implants, despite the overwhelming evidence you may be interested in a new saline implant that is undergoing clinical testing: The ideal implant. This is an interesting device, it is a saline filled implant with baffles. This is intended to diminish the negative effects of a saline filled... more

Probably not better for you to go to smaller saline

If your implants are above the muscle they should be replaced below the muscle. You could go smaller with saline and probably not notice the implant as easily. If you are already under the muscle, you must have very thin tissues and going smaller with saline won't change that. The best solution for you would be to switch to gel for much less implant palpability. Rest assured that they are FDA approved and are safe.

Overfilled saline implants will produce less rippling

To Jai, Hi! There are some other tricks to make saline implants more natural. Smaller is good and going under the muscle is good. But I think you will still be disappointed. You really need silicone implants. They are safe and don't cause any diseases. There is a lot of scientific data about silicone implants and they are approved by the FDA.

Not a guarantee

The best way to minimize visible implant and ripples is to use a smooth surface implant, Silicone gel filled, placed submuscularly. Conversely, a Saline filled, textured surface implant, placed above the muscle is most likely to cause visible implant edges/ripples. This becomes most important in women with little breast tissue, and thin skin. Although most experts (myself included) would agree that there is nothing to fear from Silicone breast implants, they may not completely solve your... more

Saline breast implant rippling will happen regardless of breast implant size

Jai, Unfortunately saline breast implants tend to form ripples regardless of size. They are of course more noticeable in thin small breasted people because there is less tissue covering the implant. Placing a smaller implant, overfilling the implant, and placing the implant under the chest muscle is your best option if you do not want a silicone gel implant. Silicone gel implants do have less of a tendancy to form rippling, but it can still occur even with gel implants. Ask your doctor if... more

Mulitple factors in visibility of implants

One cannot make specific recommendations in your case without examininggyou. However certain factors contribute to increased visibility of the implant.The most natural auigmentations with the least obvious look are those implants that are maximally hidden by your normal breast tissue. very woman breasts has a certaindimnesion, location and volume. If you can hide the implant behind this natural breast, you have a better shot at naturalness. Once your implant is placed so it is not behind the... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Smaller silicone implants should help you

Your fear of silicone is unfounded. Your saline implants have the same silicone shell. Silicone, when placed in an implant, is inert and does not cause disease. Don't look at what is not scientific. Look at the scientific evidence.