subject: Can You Change Breast Implants to a Different Size or Filling? [print this page] Breast implants come in various sizes and fillings. The size differences are based on different volumes and profiles. The filling is either made of silicone or saline.
A silicone breast implant cannot be altered, only replaced. So, you cannot get your silicone breast implant a different volume unless you get a new silicone implant.
A saline implant volume can be changed, but only to a certain degree. Saline implants should be slightly overfilled, which helps to eliminate rippling and wrinkling, as well as lower the risk of implant failure.
If you want a small increase in volume of your saline implant, and if your implant can accomodate the increase in volume, then you can get slightly more volume in your breast implant, and thus get a bigger overall breast volume.
If you want a smaller breast implant with saline, you may have to get a new implant. In theory, you can remove some saline solution from your current saline breast implant, but this may cause underfilling. If you saline breast implant is underfilled, then you run the risk of your saline implant rupturing. Again, if you want a smaller saline breast implant, you may have to get a new one.
Unfortunately, you cannot change the filling or substance of your breast implant. If you currently have a saline implant, you cannot fill it with silicone gel. If you have a silicone implant, you cannot change the filling to saline solution.
Most patients who want to switch their breast implants change from saline to silicone, due to a more natural feel. You can always go to more, less, or the same breast volume.
Regardless of type of breast implant, if you want a smaller breast implant, you may need a breast lift. If the decrease in volume is drastic and you get a smaller breast implant, you may end up with so much loose breast tissue that it may appear that your breast sags. You will need a consultation with a plastic surgeon to determine what the best options are for you.
Can You Change Breast Implants to a Different Size or Filling?
