Does silicone run smaller than saline?

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.

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

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.