Will silicone implants feel softer than saline? (Photo)

Question

I have 360 cc's of saline over the muscle due to a thick chest muscle from working out. I hate the way they feel. I know I would feel the implant less if they were under the muscle but I had them like that at first and because of my thick chest muscle they moved around a lot, and I hated that even more. I'm switching to 520 cc silicone Inspira (overfilled) implants over the muscle. I am hoping that these will feel softer and more natural than my current saline implants. Thoughts??

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

In general silicone implants will feel softer, but in the size range you are considering there will be trade-offs in terms of implant visibility with over muscle implants of either type. There are other options besides simply over or under, such as subfascial and split muscle (Not dual plane, which cab cause animation deformities.) The implants appear to be high; if you like that look then perhaps a lift to optimize nipple position.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Yes, generally speaking, silicone gel breast implants tend to feel softer than their counterpart saline filled implants.  Are you sure that your current situation (firmer breasts) is not caused by a thickened capsule (capsular contraction)?Make sure that you communicate your goals of achieving a softer outcome with your plastic surgeon; working together you will come up with the best plan to improve your chances.Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering revisionary 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 "D or DD 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.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). Viewing the patient's chest wall in the upright and supine positions, with temporary sizes in place, help select the best breast implant size/profile for the specific patient.I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to revisionary breast augmentation surgery concerns), helps. Best wishes.

John Dean, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, gel implant feel better than saline implants. Salines tend to be very soft unless they are over filled.  In a superficial pocket, this may lead to palpable wrinkles.  The inspira gel implant is a good implant for what you have described, especially in the sub-mammary pocket.

Will silicone implants feel softer than saline? (Photo)

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Will silicone implants feel softer than saline? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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