How even in comparison is a 600cc saline implant with a 600cc gummy implant in size?

Question

Do the gummy implants give more of a larger appearance & size because of the gel?

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,High density gels and overfilled devices tend to have similar appearances to saline devices. Tissue characteristics, previous scar tissue, and implant position may have an effect on perceived size. However, volumetrically those two hypothetical implants are identical in size. Best of luck!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

600cc in both saline and silicone will be the same size. However, silicone does provide more of a natural feel to it compared to the saline. I suggest seeking a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person consultation.Regards,

Anthony A. Admire, MD, FACS · Answer

The size is exactly the same, regardless of type. 600cc of anything is still 600cc. However, the look, feel & weight will be different. Saline implants are generally rounder and firmer, with a less natural look than silicone. However, with the more highly cohesive or gummy bear implants, the difference seems to be less so than with previous generations of silicone implants. If you have very thin or minimal breast tissue, I would steer you in the direction of silicone.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  600cc implants will be the same size.  However, silicone does have a more natural look and feel than saline implants.  The size, profile, and shape of the
implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Great question!  Saline implants give a more augmented balloon-like feel and look.  Silicone gels are softer and more natural.  The implant selection should be based on a combination of your desired size, soft tissue dynamics, breast base diameter and skin elasticity.  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear scottmauro66,600cc is the same as 600cc, so there should be no difference in volume. The pros of silicone implants are that they look and feel more natural and ripple less. 
The pros of saline implants are that they do not require as large of an incision as silicone, less expensive, they have less incidence of capsular contracture (scarring around the implant), one can tell immediately if there is a rupture, the size can be slightly adjusted, and they can be used for women less than 22 years of age.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Samuel Beran, MD · Answer

The sizing and appearance of breast implants can be confusing.  We see photos of some patients with Saline 600 cc implants and they look VERY different from others with similar breasts who have Silicone implants of the same size.  Although both 600 cc saline and silicone are the same size, the dimensions of the implants can be very different.  Just as there are different profiles within a saline or silicone line, the implants don't match up exactly between the two either.  If the implants have similar dimensions than they compare closely.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Saline vs. Silicone differences include:
-The "feel"- silicone is more natural
-The "look"- silicone is less prone to rippling
-The "cost"- silicone is more expensive
-Access incisions- saline can be placed through a smaller incision as they are empty at the time of placement
-Customization-Silicone implants are pre-filled to a particular volume. Saline can be adjusted on the table within a recommended range.
-Monitoring-Saline implants, if ruptured, will deflate and the saline fill will be absorbed. Silicone implants require surveillance MRI's at 3 years and every 2 years after.
Patients prefer silicone devices for the more natural feel and the decreased incidence of rippling. In my practice most patients will choose a smooth round device over a textured shaped device ("gummy bear"). When placed in the submuscular plane, the aesthetic differences are minimal. The downward pressure by the muscle across the upper pole of the round device forces it to assume a more tear drop appearance. Recent studies have shown that both patients and surgeons have difficulty distinguishing between the 2 implant types post-operatively. Additionally, shaped implants are more costly and have a risk of malrotation. Finally, although very rare, the few documented cases of BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) have all been in cases of textured devices (shaped form stable or "gummy bear"). Until more data is available many are shifting their practice back to smooth round devices.With regards to your specific question, while there are differences between the devices, volumes are consistent. From a volume perspective, they should be comparable. The appearance may differ due to the stiffness of the gel resisting compression but this is unlikely to yield a significant volume difference.As always, discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

George John Alexander, MD, FACS · Answer

As far as size is concerned, 600cc is the exact same size in a saline or silicone gel/gummy bear implant. However, depending upon the shape or style of the implant, one may seem to be larger or smaller once implanted.  I would discuss this with your board certified plastic surgeon who can show you the styles and sizes they are recommending for you and advised the type of result you can expect with either implant. Most of my patients choose silicone gel/gummy bear implants because they tell us the gel feels more “natural” than the saline.  I have found that for most patients the gummy bear gel implants provide for the best result.

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

Hi thanks for such a good question. Volume is volume 600 cc are 600 cc in the saline implant and in the silicon gel one. But the saline implant is like a balloon without shape, and the gummy bear implant having the same volume have a shape that will give you a better projection, form and a natural look.Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)Certified Plastic Surgeon

How even in comparison is a 600cc saline implant with a 600cc gummy implant in size?

Answers (14)

More Breast Implants Questions

Subfascial vs submuscular for me? (Photo)

Are 450-485 cc implants too big? I’m 5’5 and 148 lbs. (Photo)

When will breasts soften after BA?

What is the difference between gummy bear implants and fat transfer augmentation?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS