By over filling, the ripples are smoothed out to a certain degree by the added pressure of the fluid placed within the implant. We have had experience with a small number of patients who have elected to have this secondary procedure. Actually, saline filled implants have been available for many. Disadvantages include the possibility that the implants may deflate and the fact that in certain cases, the implants may have a slightly less natural feel. An advantage is the fact that if the implant does leak, the saline is absorbed by the body and causes no harm.
Replacement is generally a relatively simple operation.
While additional studies may result in the release of silicone gel filled implant, for the present, saline implants are the only type available for general use. Our feeling is that saline filled implants represent a very satisfactory compromise between safety and ideal shape and feel. In selecting the size of the implant, the general choice should be jointly made by the patient and the surgeon prior to surgery. While ultimately, the choice of size is made by the patient, she should recognize that there are advantages to a conservative selection. Both capsular contracture and rippling are more common with larger implants because of the added stretching.