Saline vs. silicone on petite women. Which implant type is right for me?

Hello,We have no such recommendation in Canada where the new generation, silicone cohesive gel implants have been on the market longer. I will typically recommend my patient get an MRI done if they have trauma to the breast or concerning changes which is quite rare. Silicone certainly tends to feel and look more natural especially when the patient has very little of their own breast tissue. I recommend that you discuss the options, the FDA recommendations and pros/cons with your surgeon and then make the choice that you are most comfortable with.All the best

Hello, as you've pointed out, each implant type has unique advantages and disadvantages.  The majority of my patients with smaller breasts do choose silicone implants since they tend to be less prone to rippling.  However, I have also had petite patients who have been satisfied with their outcome with saline implants.  Best to book a followup appointment with your surgeon because they will take into account your anatomy and goals when helping you make a final decision.

Thank you for your question.  Although I have not evaluated you in person, silicone implants give a more natural-looking and -feeling result in general compared to saline implants.  Saline implants can give patients with little breast tissue ripping which can be noticeable.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL 

In the larger patient or patient with fair amount of breast tissue, there is much less difference in appearance of saline vs silicone implants. However, most breast augmentation patients do not have a lot of breast tissue which is exactly why they are having the surgery to begin with. Most of these patients choose silicone. 95% or more of my patients choose silicone. The FDA did recommend  regular MRIs in silicone patients but I have found most patients have chosen not to have regular MRIs but have them when they have had a problem, which fortunately in my patients has been rare. Saline implants in thin or small breasted patients have a high incidence of wrinkles and being able to feel the implant edges. Does not seem natural to me. Good luck.

Both implants are equally safe, but will differ significantly in how they feel. In general, thinner patients with minimal breast tissue have more palpability, wrinkling, and rippling with saline than with silicone. Both implant types can make your breast look the same, the issue is mainly feel.I advise patients that are thin to choose silicone if they are going to be bothered by feeling wrinkling or rippling. MRI exams are recommended by the FDA every two years beginning in year 3, but it is the patient's decision as to whether or not to follow this recommendation. Due to the high cost of MRI's and the lack of insurance coverage, most patients do not get regular MRI's.