Are 500cc saline implants vs 500cc gel implants under the muscle going to look identical or different size wise?

Hello and thank you for your question. In terms of the size, there is no significant difference between the two. The main difference between saline and gel implants is how they feel, with the gel implants feel softer and more natural. And in a thin individual, saline implants tend to show more rippling. Best,

Pejman Aflaki, M.D.

Johns Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

 

Hello, whether you have a 500cc saline or silicone implant inserted under the muscle (subpectoral pocket), their volume will stay the same. However, there could be subtle changes in the final appearance, depending on the specific type of silicone gel implants you are comparing. The firmness/shape of a saline implant will vary depending on the volume of saline inside, and the shape retention of a silicone implant varies depending on the gel thickness. These are subtle issues but they could affect the shape of the final result, even if the actual volume is the same.

Breast implants of the same cc size and profile placed under the muscle should look the same.  Where you will notice the differences is in the feel.  Ask to hold each implant in your hands the next time you visit you PS's office.  The silicone one feels more like natural breast tissue; the saline, much firmer.  
Silicone implants are suggested for thinner women since there is less of a possibility for the breast to wrinkle due to the fact that they have less tissue to cover the implant. Saline implants, on the other hand are more suited for women with more breast tissue because it is less noticeable on them.