Saline Breast Implants on Thin Patients?

Question

I am 19 years old and want to get breast implants. I am thin and do not have a  lot of breast tissue. I am a size 32 A. I have heard saline implants are not good for thin skin because there will be rippling. I really want to get them soon and not have to wait until I'm 22 to get silicone implants. Can I still get good results with saline with no rippling, or would it be better if i waited until 22 to get silicone? Thank you!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

The use of saline implants in thin patients is not a yes or no answer and neither is it related to one point in time. What works now, may or may not work 5 years from now with changes inyour body. If you plan on having children in the near future, I would defer this.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

In my opinion, there is no good reason why there is an FDA  mandated age of 22 for patients to receive silicone breast implants. There are many patients under the age of 22 who would ( based on their body type and the advantages of silicone breast implants) benefit from the use of silicone gel breast implants. Unfortunately, the use of these implants for these younger patients will negate the breast implant manufacturer warranty.I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Rippling is more common with thinner patients because there is not enought soft tissue coverage. This can happen with both saline and silicone.

Susan E. Downey, MD · Answer

Many patients with saline implants are very happy with their choice. For years that was the only implant we had available. The implant pushes the breast tissue forward so what you feel is the breast tissue not the implant. This is especially true for smaller implants. Putting the implant under the muscle also gives another layer of coverage for the upper portion of the implant. There are other factors to consider - smooth implants may have less rippling than textured for example. I would recommend that you have a consult with a Board certified plastic surgeon and discull all your options. Then , based on your desires and your body frame , you will be able to make the best decision as to whether to proceed now or wait.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

One of the drawbacks to the saline breast implant has been the tendency to show ripple, especially for those with very thin cover over the implant. Submuscular placement has solved the problem in the upper portion of the breast, however the implant still may be detectable in the lower portion and to the side of the breast. Despite this potential, patients with a saline implant enjoy a very low capsular contracture rate, and are not burdened with the thought of future MRI studies to determine if and when the implant has begun to leak. In our experience patients with saline implants have enjoyed them quite well, thin or not, and this should not discourage you from augmentation. As you are only 19, the first implant you wear will certainly not be the last, as no implant is likely to last a life time. You may chose a gel implant at the time of replacement in 10 years or so, though I feel you will have had 10 years or more satisfaction with the saline.
Best of luck,
peterejohnsonmd

Saline Breast Implants on Thin Patients?

Answers (7)