Switching from silicone to saline. Will there be any rippling if I get them overfilled? (Photo)

Good afternoon,I perform a LOT of XL overfilled saline implants, over 200 per year, often in the 1500-2000cc range. In fact you may already be a patient of mine. I can tell you for sure that rippling is not a common issue that comes up. The overfilling to reach those sizes really stretches and rounds out the implant shell.

Dear Alleyna,  Thanks for posting your pictures, though , having pictures from further distance could give a better impression of your breasts cup size. Also, having your before picture would have been helpful, to assess the size increase that you got.      From observing your front  picture you appear to me as full  D cup only and from the left side view you might have left breast lateral implant displacement and mild  double bubble deformity  that reduces the cleavage and projection.   So, you have few issues here:    1. To double your current size, means to become 36 DDD, which in you case requires implants with volume of 1250 cc. The 2000 cc will be way too big for you  and  it will increase your breasts cup size  by about 6 sizes !!!  2. You might benefit from lateral and inferior capsulorrhaphy ( internal bra) ,on the left breast  which will give you nicer cleavage and more projection. Also, if you have wide cleavage when not pushing the breasts in, medial capsulotomy (scar release) will give you a nice cleavage.  3. It is a myth that saline implants give you more ripples than silicone implants. On thin people (not your situation) they have the same problems. I have replaced silicone implants with saline implant on many patients to the delight of my patients. So, do not worry about this issue.   Always, consult with experience board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with nice cleavage, perky, symmetrical and natural looking.                                  Best of luck,                                                     Dr Widder

In our Practice we would not recommend saline implants especially for "off label" use and desiring this huge size is outside of the request that we would be comfortable addressing. 

The bigger issue in considering the extra large implants is the damage that the implants will do to your skin and atrophy your tissues. This will almost certainly cause you to have a droop to your breasts and eventually more implant visibility. Saline has a much higher incidence of rippling than silicone. You will definitely be larger, but consider the other consequences as well. You should see a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to get a formal opinion through an in-person consultation.
Best of luck,
Vincent Marin, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Hi and thank you for your question.  Generally speaking, saline breast implants have a greater chance of rippling than silicone gel implant options and if you have thin skin or little breast tissue coverage for the implants, the chances of rippling and palpability of your implants will also increase.  Additionally, overfilling of a saline breast implant to achieve the implant volume that you are hoping for is an off-label use and might void any manufacturer warranty on your implants.If you are interested in learning more about exchanging your implants for a saline breast implant option, I would encourage you to schedule an in person consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.  Today, it is less common for patients to consult for a breast implant exchange from silicone gel implants electing for saline ones (more commonly the exchange is for the exact opposite) but that does not mean that it does not happen!  The choice of implant type, style, and size is very patient specific.  The best advice you will get will come from an in person consultation.  I hope that this helps and I wish you the very best!  

Generally speaking, breast implant rippling decreases as breast implants are overfilled.  One of the downsides with overfilled saline filled implants is firmness of the breast implants, which most patients seeking the "extra large" look do not mind. Best wishes.

your question does come up occasionally. The reason you want to change is to go larger. While your stature may be able to carry this off and look ok, your tissues can’t. This size would be excessive and eventually cause you problems. It would be better to remain as you are. A surgeons income depends on surgery they do. Their reputation often depends on what they don’t do. 

You do understand you overfill saline at the risK of negating your guarantee/warranty from the implant company. Only very few offer overfilling of saline implants in Florida. Plus the fee charged are very high for this 'off label' use of implants. Expect fee in $12,000-$20,000 ranges

Be aware that in general saline implants will ripple perhaps more than silicone implants.  The best implant to avoid some of the rippling might be the cohesive silicone implants.  Implants larger than the size of your breast width are more likely to ripple, particularly in the thin breast  that would offer little breast tissue to cover any size implant.  Check with your Plastic Surgeon and ask all of your questions.  If you have any doubts, get another opinion.Good luck to you.Frank Rieger M.D.  Tampa Plastic Surgeon

Dear Allayna82,Hello and thank you for your excellent question. What you are requesting is possible (i.e., upsizing from an 800 cc silicone implant to an over-filled saline breast implant). In fact, I have often added fat grafting around the implants in this situation to 1) add volume, and 2) reduce issues with skin thinning around the implant. It is essential that you have an in-person consultation to develop a treatment plan that specifically addresses your personal surgical goals, and your body’s anatomy. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!

Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018

RealSelf100

America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 - 2018