What Do Breast Implants Feel Real?

Most surgeons agree that silicone gel breast implants, in general, tend to feel more natural than saline breast implants. However, the degree to which this difference is significant varies a great deal with regard to two issues: the amount of breast tissue that exists prior to augmentation, and the size of the implant that is used. The more natural feel of a silicone gel implant will be much more important to patients who are slender and fit in an A cup bra preoperatively, as they have less subcutaneous soft tissue to conceal the implant. The difference will be less noticeable to a patient who is more full-figured and has wears a B cup bra.

Small to medium size breast implants,  in my opinion, better simulate natural breast tissue than much larger implants. If the goal of breast augmentation surgery is to produce a natural-appearing breast profile, and by 'natural-appearing' I mean that it matches the rest of a woman's figure and does not look like surgery, I think that most patients are best served by an implant smaller than 300cc in volume. Saline implants in this size range, in my experience, tend to produce results that not only look natural but also feel natural.

Silicone implants tend to feel softer than saline implants, which usually feel somewhat more firm. This occurs in part because saline implants must be filled to a slightly higher pressure than the silicone implants in order to keep the saline implants from wrinkling or collapsing. Most patients can obtain outstanding results with either type of implant, and be very happy with the results, as long as they understand the firmness difference before surgery. That difference is more important in patients with little fat and breast tissue, since the implants would then be more "superficial," or close to the skin. Patients with more fat or breast tissue may not appreciate the difference as much, since the implants will be beneath a thicker layer of padding. Implants of either type usually will not feel "hard" unless capsular contracture develops. This refers to scar tissue that tightens around the implants, resulting in the unnaturally round, hard look and feel that we sometimes see. 

Thanks for your question! Gel implants are soft with a natural feel. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. . Best wishes!

Silicon gel implants feel very soft and real after few months .
At the beginning they are going to feel harder but this generally settle within 12 months.
Kind Regards

Mr Giorgio Netri

Most plastic surgeons and patients would agree that silicone breast implants feel more real than saline implants. If you are having a consultation with a plastic surgeon, make sure you ask to feel actual saline and silicone implants. The silicone implants contain a cohesive gel which feels very much like breast tissue. Once the implants are in place, the amount of breast tissue that you have may influence the feel of your breast. If you have a fair amount of breast tissue, this tissue will cover the implant and it will be very difficult to actually feel your breast implant. If you have no breast tissue, I encourage my patients to choose silicone implants because they will feel more natural when you don't have any tissue to cover the implant with. 

Silicone implants placed under the muscle provide the most natural feel and appearance. At your consultation you can try on different implants and see what best works for you. Best of luck. Warm regards, Lane Smith MD8871 W Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89117(702) 838-2455

Hello,If implants are placed under the muscle, they are less palpable, meaning they'll feel more "real."Also, silicone implants typically feel more natural than saline. If you have a fair amount of your own breast tissue, they will feel more real. If you have very small breasts before surgery, the implants are more palpable. All the best,Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

Thank you for your question. It is normal that they will feel swollen and firm for the first few weeks after surgery, but they will then settle giving the breast a more natural feel. Dhaval M. PatelDouble board certified Plastic surgeonHoffman EstatesBarringtonOakbrookChicago

Implants can feel very natural.  Generally, the more breast tissue a patient starts out with, the more undetectable the implant is.  If an implant is soft, most of the general population would find it difficult to determine whether a breast has an implant or not.  Saline implants feel less natural than silicone.

This is a great question.  While some plastic surgeons vary on their preference on using silicone gel or saline implants, I believe that most would agree that the silicone gel implants, generally speaking, tend to feel much more natural than saline implants.  How soft and natural your implants will be can also be attributed to factors such as, amount of native breast tissue, placement of implants (sub-pectoral or below the chest muscle is overwhelmingly preferred), size of implant, profile of implant and surgeon expertise.  Hardening of implants is often attributed to capsular contracture or scar tissue formation, and can happen with both silicone or saline implants.  I hope this helps!

Breast Implants are made specifically to look and feel natural. The science has greatly improved in the last 10 years. A few factors to help achieve the natural look and feel with depend on placement of the implant, body fat percentage and amount of fat a patient has to cover the implant, and the type of implant used. If you have implants that feel hard and unnatural it maybe the result of a capsular contracture and you should see your board certified plastic surgeon.