Saline to Silicone

Choosing your implant type, size, and shape is a major decision. If you’re unhappy with your choice of saline implant, Dr. Steven Teitelbaum offers comprehensive breast revision surgeries to switch your implant type and achieve the soft, natural-looking breasts you’ve envisioned.

What Are Saline Implants?

Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution after placement, and this fluid can safely and easily be absorbed by the body in the event of a rupture. These implants have a silicone outer shell to protect the fluid inside. For many years, saline implants were the only widely available option in the United States, and they remain a safe, reliable option for patients seeking breast augmentations.

What Are Silicone Implants?

Silicone breast implants are filled with a cohesive, flexible gel that mimics the softness and movement of natural breast tissue. Modern silicone implants come in a range of consistencies, often referred to as levels of cohesiveness, to offer patients a wide range of options. Silicone implants are now used in over 80% of primary breast augmentations and in nearly all revision breast surgeries in the United States.

Benefits of Switching to Silicone Implants

While many patients get silicone implants in their initial augmentation, some start out with saline implants before making the switch. Patients prefer their new silicone implants for the following reasons:

Softer, squishier, and more natural feel
Less spherical than saline implants
Reduced risk of folding and rippling compared to saline implants
Lack of sloshing within the implant
No fear of deflation rupture
Better performance in patients with thinner tissue

When Should You Make the Switch?

If you’ve experienced any sort of saline implant rupture or deflation, extensive rippling, or abnormal fullness, your breast revision surgery is the perfect time to make the switch to silicone implants. Dr. Teitelbaum will walk you through your implant options during your consultation to ensure your silicone implant achieves the shape and size you envisioned with your original saline implant.

However, you do not need to actively be dealing with a breast implant issue to make the switch to silicone. Dr. Teitelbaum regularly performs breast revision surgeries on patients who want to change their implant type simply for the more natural feel of silicone. You may also switch to silicone implants during a routine implant replacement 10+ years after your initial augmentation.

Why Choose Dr. Teitelbaum?

As one of the leading breast plastic surgeons in Los Angeles and beyond, Dr. Stevel Teitelbaum helps patients achieve balanced, beautiful results that suit their figure, regardless of implant type, size, or shape. He leads with integrity and transparency, and only performs breast revision surgeries when patients have clear, concrete motivations. With him, you’ll never undergo trendy treatments or unnecessary procedures.

An Elite Education

Before opening his private practice in 1995, Dr. Teitelbaum received his doctorate from the UCLA School of Medicine and completed his residency at Harvard University. During that time, he worked in the plastic surgery wards at LA County Hospital and earned two board certifications in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery. In addition to performing successful surgeries at his practice, Dr. Teitelbaum serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at the UCLA School of Medicine, reflecting his commitment to advancing the next generation of surgeons. He’s given lectures to peers and students on five continents and has completed breast implant research with the FDA, further advancing his field. Dr. Teitelbaum’s work has been published in peer-reviewed journals like Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, and he’s earned memberships and leadership positions in the following professional organizations:

Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation, 2016-2017 President
California Society of Plastic Surgeons, Treasurer and Legislative Committee Chair
Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation, Board Member

Putting Patients First

Dr. Tietelbaum is known amongst Los Angeles patients for his high-quality, natural-looking results and his commitment to patient education. He wants to help you bring your vision for yourself to life in the safest, most effective way possible. Every surgery is conducted at his exclusive surgical center with the help of his licensed team, and you’ll feel their passion for plastic surgery from your first consultation to your final follow-up.

Schedule A Consultation

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Your Private Consultation

If you’re ready to make the switch to silicone implants, your journey will begin with a one-on-one consultation at Dr. Teitelbaum’s Los Angeles office. There, you’ll discuss your aesthetic goals, concerns, and surgical history, and Dr. Teitelbaum will examine your breasts to determine if silicone implants are right for you. He’ll help you determine if switching to silicone aligns with your expectations and aesthetic preferences, and you’ll work together to decide on your optimal implant.

Comparing the Cost

Many patients opt for saline implants during their breast augmentation, since saline implants are about half the cost of silicone ones. In addition to the cost of the implant, you’ll need to consider the following factors ahead of your breast implant replacement:

Whether you’re replacing one or both implants
If you need additional procedures, like a pocket adjustment
Whether additional support, like biomesh or acellular dermal matrices, is needed

Dr. Teitelbaum’s team will provide you with a clear cost breakdown and extensive financing options after your consultation.

What to Expect When Switching From Saline to Silicone Implants

Your implant switch will happen during an implant replacement surgery, a specialized type of breast revision. Dr. Teitelbaum will tailor your surgical plan to your body’s unique medical needs and your aesthetic preferences, ensuring your final results align with your desires.

During the procedure, Dr. Teitelbaum will carefully remove your existing saline implants and make any necessary adjustments to the implant pocket. Once ready, your silicone implant will be placed into the breast to form your new shape.

Most patients replace both implants in a single procedure, but if you’re only replacing one implant, Dr. Teitelbaum may draw fluid from your remaining saline implant to ensure the breasts are balanced.

Gentle, Patient-Centered Recovery

Recovery after switching to silicone breast implants will be similar to your healing process after your initial breast augmentation. Most patients experience minor swelling, tightness, and soreness along the chest, which should resolve within one week. You’ll be able to resume light movement, including desk work and walking, within a few days, but more strenuous activities will need to wait until Dr. Teitelbaum approves.

After your procedure, you’ll receive a customized recovery plan to support your healing. This list may include the following items:

Incision site care and cleaning protocols
Sleep position restrictions
Activity limitations
Hygiene recommendations
Swelling and pain management strategies
Supportive garment guidance

You’ll return to Dr. Teitelbaum’s office several times over the coming months for follow-up appointments with his team. There, he’ll monitor your healing progress, remove any remaining sutures, and ensure your implant has properly settled and integrated into your breast tissue. When appropriate, he’ll clear you to resume high-impact activities like exercise, swimming, and running.

Saline To Silicone FAQs

Is silicone safer than saline?

Both implant types are safe and approved for use in the United States. Your choice of implant will depend on your aesthetic goals and cost considerations.

Will I need imaging after switching to silicone implants?

Periodic imaging may be recommended to monitor the integrity of your implants, but it will depend on your individual anatomy and medical history. If you experienced implant complications like a rupture or capsular contracture, you may need more frequent imaging.

Can I replace only one implant?

Yes, if Dr. Teitelbaum determines that to be the best course of action. Most patients choose to replace both implants to ensure symmetrical, consistent, and balanced results.

Will switching to silicone eliminate rippling?

Silicone implants often improve normal rippling, but your final results will depend on the thickness and health of your breast tissue.

References

Bengtson, Bradley P., M.D., Teitelbaum, Steven, M.D. Revision Breast Augmentation. Breast Augmentation Video Atlas, Chapter 9, 72-98. 2019.
Tebbetts, John B., M.D.; Teitelbaum, Steven, M.D. High- and Extra-High-Projection Breast Implants: Potential Consequences for Patients. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 126(6):p 2150-2159, December 2010.
SL Spear, M Seruya, MW Clemens, S Teitelbaum, MY Nahabedian. Acellular Dermal Matrix for the Treatment and Prevention of Implant-Associated Breast Deformities. Plastic and reconstructive surgery 127 (3), 1047-1058.