Are there any pre-filled saline implants?

Question

Are there any pre-filled saline implants? Concerned about valve failure.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

There are no FDA approved pre-filled saline implants available. The current generation of saline devices have an integrated valve and are very safe and reliable. The devices are inserted empty and filled in-vivo during surgery. This allows for smaller access incisions and for a measure of adjustability (as their is a recommend fill range).As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  All saline breast implants have a valve associated with them.  These implants are inserted first and then filled completely once in place.  Some general thoughts regarding breast implants and the final “look” and feel achieved with breast augmentation surgery may be helpful to you:

1. The initial shape, size (volume of breast tissue), symmetry of the patient's breasts. In general, the better the preoperative breast appearance the more likely the breast augmentation “look” will be optimal.

2. The experience/skill level of the surgeon is important in determining the final outcome. For example, the accurate and gentle dissection of the breast implant pockets are critical in producing long-term well-placed breast implants. I personally think that these 2 factors are more important than any others, including type (saline or silicone) or model (low/moderate/high profile) of implant.

3. The type of implant used may determine the final outcome, especially if the patient does not have significant covering breast or adipose tissue. For example, some surgeons feel that silicone implants have a more natural look and feel than saline implants because silicone gel has a texture that is similar to breast tissue.  In other words, if a patient has very low body fat and/or very little breast tissue, the silicone gel implants may provide a more "natural" result.

4. The size and model of breast implant used may make a significant difference in the final outcome. Therefore, it is very important to communicate your size goals with your surgeon. 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 who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate.

I use intraoperative sizers and place the patient in the upright position to evaluate breast size. Use of these sizers also allow me to select the breast implant profile (low, moderate, moderate plus, high-profile) that would most likely achieve the patient's goals. The patient's goal pictures are hanging on the wall, and allow for direct comparison.

I have found that this system is very helpful in improving the chances of achieving the patient's goals as consistently as possible. I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast augmentation concerns), helps. Best wishes.

Benjamin J. Cousins, MD · Answer

Excellent question. There are no saline implants that come pre-filled with saline. They (and the sizers) are inflated when in place and allow for a smaller incision. The implant failures that do occur, (most likely) do not occur because of the valve. Best of luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The FDA approved saline implants for the US all contain values. However, the majority of leaks do not occur near the value.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

There are no FDA approved pre-filled saline implants. The valve of the current generation of saline breast implants are safe and secure, but the question is valid and should be addressed during consultation.

Are there any pre-filled saline implants?

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Answer: Saline implants

Answer: Saline implants

Answer: Pre-filled Saline Implants?

Answer: Pre-filled Saline Implants?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Are there any pre-filled saline implants?

Answers (8)

Answer: Saline implants

Answer: Saline implants

Answer: Pre-filled Saline Implants?

Answer: Pre-filled Saline Implants?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.