Saline replacement with gummy bears. Would you recommend this?

Question

I have had submuscular saline implants for 6 years now, the entire time having a grade one capsular contracture. I have finally gotten the nerve to have it fixed. My PS has recommended changing over to the gummy bear silicone implants during surgery as the saline has had an increase in rupture incidences over the last 10 years. Would you recommend the same? What is the likelihood of an autoimmune reaction?

Bryson G. Richards, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.If you are happy with the size, look, shape, and feel of your current implants, then I would leave them absolutely alone. There is no need to switch from saline to silicone.Now, if you are looking to possible upside the implant or go from an "overfilled" saline implant to a silicone implant, that sounds great. Saline implants and silicone implants are equally safe and there is no evidence to show that silicone implants cause an autoimmune reaction. As a matter of fact, the saline implants have a silicone shell. With the newer gummy bear implants, there is little risk of silicone leak even with a rupture.I hope this helps. Good luck with your decision.- Dr. Bryson Richards

Gregory Sexton, MD · Answer

Although silicone implants have a lower rupture rate for the first 6-7 years, I am not certain the same can be said for long term rates. If you have been happy with saline, having no ripples, then I would not change to silicone. if you go to silicone, you will need to get MRI exams every 2-3 years to determine if your implants are leaking. If saline leaks, you will know, and your body absorbs it.Good luck,Greg Sexton, M.D.Columbia, S.C.

Peter A. Lennox, MD · Answer

If you are happy with your current breast volume and shape, I would not recommend an operating simply to change to silicone.   A Baker I capsule is essentially no capsule.  If you have a specific reason to change, then silicone implants are safe from an autoimmune perspective.  In terms of what specific type of silicone implant, that is a discussion you and your surgeon should have in detail to determine what is best for you.

Saline replacement with gummy bears. Would you recommend this?

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Saline replacement with gummy bears. Would you recommend this?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.