Which implant weighs more; Silicone or Saline?

Question

I have some back problems so im looking for an implant that wont weigh me down and give me back pain.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

They weigh about the same as 1cc saline = 1cc silcone in weight plus the shell of the implant.

The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

best of luck!

Dr Schwartz

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

This depends somewhat on the size, but in general silicone is lighter than saline. If you have back problems I would recommend choosing a smaller implant to avoid exacerbating your symptoms. #PlasticSurgery #BreastAug #Implants #BreastImplants #choosingimplants #surgeryprep

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Comparing the same size (cc's) implants, the silicone ones will be lighter than the saline ones.  Because of your back problems, staying conservative with a smaller silicone implant will be the best option.

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

With respect to your back problems, the size of the implant chosen will have more impact than whether you choose saline or silicone. Another factor is how firm your breast tissue is and whether you have any sagging. Breast that are large, but firm feel lighter than heavy breast that sag.The difference in weight between saline and silicone implants of the same volume will not have much impact on your back pain.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. Silicone is slightly more dense than saline, and so silicone implants tend to be just barely heavier given the same volume. But, this is very hard to detect, certainly once they are actually inside the body. I would visit a PS and ask them to show you the two implants so you can experience it for yourself. Best wishes to you.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Silicone gel breast implants will weigh slightly more than the  equivalent saline breast implant.

Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery ( regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:

1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.
2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals. 
In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. For example, I have found that the use of know words such as “natural” or "C or D cup” etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.
3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.

I hope this (and the attached link, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

For the same volume breast implant, silicone will weight slightly more than saline. Although it is not this simple just compare the atomic weights for silicone (28) and hydrogen and oxygen combined. (18)  But the weight difference is not significant and can not be discerned by the patient. If  I put a silicone implant in one hand and a saline implant in the other and you were blindfolded, you can not tell the difference by weight alone.

John Dean, MD · Answer

While the other answers are correct, they don't completely answer your question.  A 400cc saline implant with 400cc of saline in it weighs 400 grams plus the weight of the silicone rubber shell. A 400cc gel implant will have nearly the same weight of the shell plus the weight of the gel.  I have put implants like this on a scale and have found that the gel implants weigh only slightly less (2% difference.)  If you are concerned about the weight of implants causing back issues, you should consider having the implants placed behind the muscle layer so that they can be better supported rather than behind the breast, which could potentially transfer more weight to your bra strap area. Being conservative about implant size is also a good idea.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

In general, silicone implants are a little lighter than saline implants. During your consultation, you can try on sizers to get an idea about the weight. If you have back issues, I suggest avoiding large implants.

Jack Peterson, MD · Answer

Silicone is less dense than water. If you put a silicone implant in water, it would float. That said, however, your real decision should be based on choosing the smallest implant that meets your expectations. Discuss these outcome desires and concerns with your PS. They can help you make the right choice.

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