Does silicone run smaller than saline?

Question

Hello. If I want to be 400CC in Saline, how many CCs in silicone is that equivalent to? I have heard that silicone appear smaller in comparison to saline. I originally wanted to go with 400cc saline but now have switched over to silicone due to second thoughts of rippling/Texture... How many more CCs should I do in order to achieve a 400 saline look in silicone ?

York Jay Yates, MD · Answer

Great question, and one that seems to come up frequently.   An overfilled saline filled to 400 cc's looks and feels a little larger than the equivalent silicone.  The volume is actually exactly the same but the fill ratio of saline adds more upper fullness and roundness.  Conversely, the silicone implants hides a little better beneath the breast tissue.  There is not a consensus opinion on this but I would recommend in the 15-30 cc larger with silicone for the same look.  Best of luck, York Yates MD - Utah.

Justin West, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for the question. This comes up a lot. The truth is 400cc of saline is the same as 400cc of silicone. Or any other liquid for that matter. Overfilled saline implants have less rippling which is why people do it. Stay away from that. It makes breasts very hard. If you want more projection go with higher profile silicone. Good luck. Dr J

George John Alexander, MD, FACS · Answer

Actually 400cc of saline or 400cc of silicone
is the same size. The confusion may come from the fact that saline can be
filled more than 400cc at the time of surgery, if the surgeon feels that is
necessary. I agree that silicone implants are more natural in feel and
appearance with less chance of rippling. 
Hopefully you were able to try on the implants in your board certified
plastic surgeon’s office which should give you a good idea of what the size
will look like for you.

Michael C. Edwards, MD, FACS · Answer

If you were to weigh a saline implant filled to 400cc and a 400cc silicone implant , the saline implant will weigh more by the weight of the implant shell which is typically 20-30 grams. This is a nominal difference that you would most likely not perceive. Your board-certified plastic surgeon will guide you through your implant choice in the planning stages of your surgery. I hope this helps.Dr Edwards

James Nachbar, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  "CC" stands for "cubic centimeter", which is the volume contained in a cube that is one centimeter in all three dimensions.  There is another volume term you may hear which is "ML", which stands for milliliter, or one thousandth of a liter.As it turns out, 1 CC = 1 ML.  That information is helpful if you are trying to see how large a "400 cc" implant is if your measuring cup at home just has "MLs" and not "CCs".Since both CC and ML are strictly volume terms, two implants with the same "CCs" would have the same volume, whether they were saline or silicone.However, the shape of a breast implant in your body is determined by a whole host of factors, including your own tissue, the firmness of the silicone, how much the implant is filled or overfilled, and many more.  Unfortunately, there is no simple formula for converting the appearance between saline and silicone.One technique to help you plan the surgery is 3D Breast Surgical Simulation. We had the first 3D Breast Scanner in Arizona, and are now on our second generation. While, again, this does not show the exact appearance after surgery, in my experience it has been helpful to show the desired volume.In addition to simulating the appearance with different size implants, the 3D systems also give you computerized measurements of the breasts, including breast width and an estimate of breast volume on each side, and usually have the expected dimensions of both the saline and silicone implants.So, take your time making a decision you will be happy with, bring in some photos, try on some sizers in a bra, and get a 3D Surgical Simulation. And pick your surgeon carefully. If you do that, you will be well on your way to a result you will be pleased with for years to come.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Very generally speaking, saline implants do seem to achieve a "larger"  or more projecting look, compared to the same silicone gel breast implants size/profile (all other factors being equal).  There is, however no reliable way to predict what difference in volume will be necessary to achieve the same outcome.  When it comes to achieving your goals with breast augmentation surgery, careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, the use of in bra sizers, and computer imaging)  will be critical.
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. I have found that the use of 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.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

The metric volume measurement of cubic centimeters (ccs) is the same no matter what you are measuring. It would be like saying a gallon of water and a gallon of gasoline are the same. A cc of silicone and a cc of saline are identical.

Does silicone run smaller than saline?

Answers (7)

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