I want to have my silicone breast implants removed and exchanged for saline, is this something that is offered?

Question

I want To have my silicone breast implants removed and exchanged for saline. With all the new information coming out about breast implants in general and how toxic silicone is to your health I would Feel safer with saline.I have yet to find any info on this. Is this not something that is offered? I realize Saline still has a silicone shell but at least if there’s a rupture it isn’t silent and is known. What doctors offer this?

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

Most plastic surgeons offer saline, silicone, and structured saline (Ideal) implants.  Talk to a board certified PS in your area so that you can have an in-person consultation about this.  Then you can learn all of the options and what you can expect for your situation.  Best of luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes you can absolutely exchange your silicone implants for saline implants.  I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation.  You should easily find surgeons who will offer this exchange.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear PetiteBAjourney,
it is possible to replace silicone implants with saline implants. The two main types of implants are silicone and saline. The shell of the implants can be either textured (which reduces capsular contracture) or smooth. A textured implant sometimes requires a larger incision. The shape of the implant can be either round or tear drop shaped (gummy bear). Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
The different types of implant offer different pros and cons. For instance, the pros of silicone implants are that they look and feel more natural and ripple less.
On the other hand, the pros of saline implants are that they do not require as large of an incision as silicone, less expensive, they have less incidence of capsular contracture (scarring around the implant), one can tell immediately if there is a rupture, the size can be slightly adjusted, and they can be used for women less than 22 years of age.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Probably any plastic surgeon would agree to exchange your silicone implants for saline. If you have minimal tissue and large implants, you may feel or even see ripples. There are some things that can be done to help minimize the ripples.  Saline implants do feel somewhat firmer than gel, especially if you have little breast tissue.  All this can be discussed in the consultation.

I want to have my silicone breast implants removed and exchanged for saline, is this something that is offered?

Answers (4)

Answer: Exchange

Answer: Exchange

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I want to have my silicone breast implants removed and exchanged for saline, is this something that is offered?

Answers (4)

Answer: Exchange

Answer: Exchange

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Recommended reading

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.