Saline or Silicon implants? Is one better for sagging?

Question

My breast without a bra sag and nipples aren't hanging low they are facing south :) when on my back they fall and aren't firm at all, I'm extremely embarrassed that I sleep with a bra on help?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You are focusing on implants when more important is a
simultaneous lift.  22% of women who
undergo breast augmentation alone require revision within 2 years because they
are dissatisfied with the result.  A frequent
cause of dissatisfaction is not performing a simultaneous lift when
required.  I recommend a new technique
called Breast Augmentation with Mini Ultimate Breast LiftTM.  Using only a circumareola incision it is
possible to reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness, elevate
them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  Through the same incision, implants can be
placed.  Aligning the areola, breast
tissue and implant over the bony prominence of the chest wall maximizes
anterior projection with a minimal size implant.  Small round textured silicone gel implants
placed retro-pectoral look and feel more natural, are more stable, less likely
to ripple or have complications needing revision.  Implant profile is irrelevant in the
retro-pectoral position since the muscle compresses it.  This technique avoids the ugly vertical scars
of the traditional technique, maintains nipple sensation and the ability to
breast feed. Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

David C. Yao, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for this question.  Your needs are best determined by an in-person consultation with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.  Saline and silicone are good options for size/volume enhancement.  Neither saline nor silicone is best for sagging depending on what aspects have descended.  Nipple position is usually best handled by some type of lift (mastopexy) procedure that is determined by physical exam.  "South" facing nipples sounds like at minimum a lift is needed.  You (like many patients) may be best served by both augmenation and lifting simultaneously.  Ask a board-certifed plastic surgeon.  Good luck!

Christopher J. Morea, MD · Answer

There is no difference between saline and silicone breast implants in regards to breast sagging.  Implant position ( submuscular or subglandular ) can make a difference. However, the real question is whether you need a breast lift or a breast augmentation.   I would discuss your options with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Jaime Campos Leon, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.To best help you, a physical examination or picture evaluation are required in order to determine which procedures and techniques are necessary for your case. Most definitely implants as well.Dr. Campos

Arun Rao, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Breast augmentation will give your breast more volume, but they will not correct significant sagging or ptosis of your breast. Saline implants are slightly more projecting than a silicone implant, but the type of implant will not drastically effect sagging. The best way to correct sagging of your breast is with a breast lift. A breast lift can be combined with a breast augmentation to give your breast more volume and to give them a more youthful appearance.  The best way to determine what procedure will help you achieve your aesthetic goals is by having you come in for a consult. Good luck.

Linda Swanson, MD · Answer

If you are happy with your breast size, it may be possible to improve your situation with a lift alone. However, if you want more perky shapely breasts, you will probably need an augmentation/lift combination.  The only way to correct sagging is with a lift, an implant alone cannot correct the problem.  The choice of silicone or saline will depend on the amount of natural breast tissue you have and your ultimate goal.  In general, if there is very little natural breast tissue, a gel implant is preferable.  If the breasts are already a B cup size or larger, the choice is less critical.

Shaun Parson, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your question.  It's difficult to accurately answer your question without seeing photos.  However, in general, if you have a significant amount of breast droop, then you really might need to have a breast lift.  This is a procedure where the nipple and breast tissue are elevated back to their perky position.  It is very common to add an implant at the same time to give you additional volume and upper pole fullness.  Again it would depend on your overall anatomy but a saline implant tends to give you more of an augmented look while a gel implant tends to better a little softer and more natural.  Hope this helps.

Terrence Murphy, MD · Answer

Whether or not the implant is saline or silicone has minimal difference as far as sagging.  Sagging or loose skin is best dealt with by informed decisions about breast lifts, implant size and implant profile or shape.  These decisions are best determined by an experienced board certified Plastic Surgeon.

Jose Leon, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Neither one is better than the other for sagging in terms of surgical indications, you can have a lift done with either one. What I can tell you is that silicone implants tend to give a more beautiful conical shape than saline, and since they're firmer, it gives you a firmer look on your cleavage, which in my perspective, is a big plus. Hope to have been of some help.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Dear gettingmybodyback,It sound like you would benefit from a breast lift.  If that is the case the implant type will not make any real impact on breast "sag".  A breast lift will be important to shape and tighten the breast tissue and a breast augmentation will be needed to add volume.Take a look at the before and after photo of one of my patients to see how the combination of a breast augmentation and lift can help.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

Saline or Silicon implants? Is one better for sagging?

Answers (13)

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