How much smaller does silcone implant run vs. saline? Will I be much bigger switching to 750-800 cc silicone?

Question

I have 650 cc saline and I am switching to silicone . Will I be much bigger switching to 750-800 cc silicone? I have read that silicone is smaller than saline. I don't want to change from 650 cc saline to 650 cc silicone only to be smaller. I wouldn't mind being a bit bigger maybe. Half to a cup size but not more! Thank you

Ary Krau, MD, FACS · Answer

For the same cc's, silicone does appear to be clinically smaller.  This is probably due to silicone implants being a bit more accommodating, blending into spaces saline implants don't. As a general rule, a cup size is approximately 200 cc's.  If you are looking to go up a half a cup, 100 cc's may be the number.  The fact that you are switching to silicone suggests you'll need more than 100.  That gets your number to 800 cc silicone.Although the above argument is probably a valid one, I suggest you consider the following.  If your consideration is between 750 and 800 cc's, I recommend you go with 800.  My prediction is that  you will find that the difference between 650 cc saline and 800 cc silicone is really not that great.  800 cc implants are the largest implants available in the US. You can be comforted knowing that you couldn't go larger.  If you chose 750, on the other hand,  you might always second guess yourself about not going big enough.Good luck,Ary Krau MD FACS

Christopher Saunders, MD · Answer

I would recommend the 800 cc implant. Increasing from 650 cc to 800 cc might seem like a lot, but it's not that big a percentage change.When you are changing implants, it is better to think of the percentage that you are increasing rather than the plain number by itself. If you want a full cup increase, than you should go up about 50%. A half cup increase might be more like a 25% increase.So 50% of 650 cc is 325. This means if you want a full cup increase, you should be much larger than 800cc and more in the 950-1000 range. This choice would be saline only, because silicone stops at 800cc.A 25% or half cup increase would be about 150 cc and this equals an 800 cc implant approximately.Silicone does tend to look smaller because its much softer.I think you should be happy with a 800 cc silicone implant and realize its not a full cup increase.Hope this helps.Dr Chris Saunders

Mark P. Solomon, MD · Answer

Implant dimensions are easily determined by looking at the information from the manufacturer.  In my experience, the issue is one of determining the profile and the volume of your present implant along with the changes that have occurred while your implants have been in place.  A surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery should be able to explain these issues easily.

Lawrence Scott Ennis, MD, FACS · Answer

saline fits approximately 100cc larger than silicone, add 100 cc to the saline size to get an equivalent silicone siz

Richard M. Levin, MD (retired) · Answer

When I do change implants from saline to silicone gel, which is not uncommon in my practice, the silicone gel appears to be smaller in that they are softer and "displace" less if the same size is used. That is why I usually start with an increase 2 sizes, i.e.. 650 to 750 to get a definite increase in appearance, and then discuss with the patient how much larger she would really like to be with use of photos for confirmation.

How much smaller does silcone implant run vs. saline? Will I be much bigger switching to 750-800 cc silicone?

Answers (5)

Answer: Size comparison

Answer: Size comparison

Answer: Saline Implants Appear Larger than Silicone Gel Implants

Answer: Saline Implants Appear Larger than Silicone Gel Implants

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How much smaller does silcone implant run vs. saline? Will I be much bigger switching to 750-800 cc silicone?

Answers (5)

Answer: Size comparison

Answer: Size comparison

Answer: Saline Implants Appear Larger than Silicone Gel Implants

Answer: Saline Implants Appear Larger than Silicone Gel Implants

Browse related questions

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.