Whether you’re dealing with a complication, planning an upgrade, or simply no longer happy with your current implants, the choice to trade types is more than cosmetic. It’s about comfort, safety, and long-term satisfaction.
At Hamptons Plastic Surgery in Quogue, NY, Dr. Tracy Pfeifer, a double board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast revision, can guide your decision with confidence. She offers truly individualized care based on your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.
What’s the Difference Between Saline and Silicone Implants?
Both saline and silicone implants have a silicone outer shell, but they differ in what’s inside:
- Saline implants: These are filled with sterile saltwater after placement, allowing for minor size adjustments. If they rupture, your body safely absorbs the fluid, but the implant visibly deflates.
- Silicone implants: These come pre-filled with a cohesive gel that feels more like your existing breast tissue. Ruptures are less noticeable, often requiring imaging to detect.
Why Switch Implant Types?
Some common reasons women swap implant types during revision surgery include:
- Changing goals (preferring a different look or feeling)
- Deflation or rupture
- Capsular contracture
- Rippling with saline implants
- Upgrading to newer-generation silicone implants
Pros and Cons of Switching
Whether you want to swap your silicone implants for saline or vice versa, there are pros and cons to consider.
Switching to silicone:
- Pros: Silicone implants have a more natural feel. They also come with a lower risk of rippling.
- Cons: The surgery requires a slightly longer incision. Silent ruptures can occur as well.
Trading silicone for saline:
- Pros: The procedure involves a smaller incision. Saline implants also allow for easier rupture detection.
- Cons: Implants have a less natural feel. However, they are more prone to visible rippling in thinner patients.
Seek Personalized Care in the Hamptons
If you’re considering switching implant types during a revision procedure, the best next step is a thorough consultation. Dr. Tracy Pfeifer is here to listen to your concerns and ensure you feel informed, supported, and confident.
Schedule your appointment at Hamptons Plastic Surgery today. Call (631) 653-6112 or submit our contact form.