I’ve had saline implants for the last 16 years. I’ve never had a problem with them, but they aren’t as beautiful as they once were. The left is harder than the right and is higher. I’ve decided to get them redone, and now I’m faced with the decision of going with saline again or switching to silicone gel. I’ve heard that silicone is more natural feeling and won’t pop as easily. What other pros and cons are there for saline versus silicone gel? What is your opinion as to the best option?
Answer: Saline vs silicone not the most important question If one breast is higher and firmer, it may be a sign of capsular contracture. In that case you would need to consider capsulectomy (removal of the scar capsule) and implant replacement. Your photo also shows some asymmetry of nipple position, suggesting that you may need a lift. Those are more important considerations than the type of implant replacement, but most patients with saline are switching to silicone when they have the opportunity.
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Answer: Saline vs silicone not the most important question If one breast is higher and firmer, it may be a sign of capsular contracture. In that case you would need to consider capsulectomy (removal of the scar capsule) and implant replacement. Your photo also shows some asymmetry of nipple position, suggesting that you may need a lift. Those are more important considerations than the type of implant replacement, but most patients with saline are switching to silicone when they have the opportunity.
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November 1, 2017
Answer: Switching saline to silicone implants Thank you for the question and photo. I would highly recommend that you switch your saline implants to silicone because they have less rippling, less capsular contracture and feel more natural and could last you a much longer time. Now the hardness that you are feeling is most likely capsular contracture and you would possibly need a lift to improve the feel and shape of your breasts. During the in office consultation you can feel and try the sample silicone sizers and compare them to the saline and choose the size that best suits you. Best of luck!Dr. Khuthaila
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November 1, 2017
Answer: Switching saline to silicone implants Thank you for the question and photo. I would highly recommend that you switch your saline implants to silicone because they have less rippling, less capsular contracture and feel more natural and could last you a much longer time. Now the hardness that you are feeling is most likely capsular contracture and you would possibly need a lift to improve the feel and shape of your breasts. During the in office consultation you can feel and try the sample silicone sizers and compare them to the saline and choose the size that best suits you. Best of luck!Dr. Khuthaila
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November 1, 2017
Answer: Silicone Superior in Every Way Hello,With virtually 95% of all American women choosing silicone gel, its no wonder that it is superior to saline in every way. However, you will need more than just a great, new implant to help you; you need a breast lift too. Go visit a few ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeons who specialize in revision breast surgery. Best of luck!
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November 1, 2017
Answer: Silicone Superior in Every Way Hello,With virtually 95% of all American women choosing silicone gel, its no wonder that it is superior to saline in every way. However, you will need more than just a great, new implant to help you; you need a breast lift too. Go visit a few ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeons who specialize in revision breast surgery. Best of luck!
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October 30, 2017
Answer: Implant Exchange It looks like you have a capsular contracture in the left breast which is making it harder and higher. You'll need to remove the scar tissue and change the implants. If you wish to lower your chance of getting another capsular contracture, textured silicone implants may be a good option. Silicone implants have a nicer feel and they will look similar to the saline implants that you have. I recommend seeing a plastic surgeon for consultation.
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October 30, 2017
Answer: Implant Exchange It looks like you have a capsular contracture in the left breast which is making it harder and higher. You'll need to remove the scar tissue and change the implants. If you wish to lower your chance of getting another capsular contracture, textured silicone implants may be a good option. Silicone implants have a nicer feel and they will look similar to the saline implants that you have. I recommend seeing a plastic surgeon for consultation.
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October 30, 2017
Answer: Really up to you!! I think the changes you are seen have nothing to do with your implants being saline. I agree that you appear to be higher on the one side and it sounds like a bit more firm and gravity has had an affair over the years. You may benefit from some capsule work and a breast lift. But the implant choice is really up to you. For some women it’s a physical choice (they have rippling, very thin tissue, exceptionally lean build…) While with other patients it’s more psychosocial (they don’t want to Deflate at a really inconvenient time like saline will....other women are still nervous about silicone and don’t want to do MRIs.... I don’t think you would have a problem going back to saline because you said it yourself… You have never had a problem with them. Because silicone is more expensive I try not to give a knee-jerk response and tell every woman she should go with silicone. Really there are pros and cons and is really up to you, but I think what you are seeing now has nothing to do with your type of implant!!
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
October 30, 2017
Answer: Really up to you!! I think the changes you are seen have nothing to do with your implants being saline. I agree that you appear to be higher on the one side and it sounds like a bit more firm and gravity has had an affair over the years. You may benefit from some capsule work and a breast lift. But the implant choice is really up to you. For some women it’s a physical choice (they have rippling, very thin tissue, exceptionally lean build…) While with other patients it’s more psychosocial (they don’t want to Deflate at a really inconvenient time like saline will....other women are still nervous about silicone and don’t want to do MRIs.... I don’t think you would have a problem going back to saline because you said it yourself… You have never had a problem with them. Because silicone is more expensive I try not to give a knee-jerk response and tell every woman she should go with silicone. Really there are pros and cons and is really up to you, but I think what you are seeing now has nothing to do with your type of implant!!
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
