What type of implants will be used?
Board Certified Plastic Surgeons and their patients work together to decide between Saline and Silicone Gel Breast Implants. Patient age, desired incision type and other factors help inform surgeons and patients which type of implant is best in a particular situation. The outer shell of both Silicone and saline implants are made of solid Silicone material. This same material is widely used in a variety of medical devices, and is the same in both implants. Saline filled implants are filled with the same kind of salt water that is used in IV fluids. Saline implants can be inserted prior to inflation with the saline fluid. Silicone Gel implants are filled with Silicone Gel, which is a semi-solid. Silicone Gel has a texture similar to that of breast tissue. Silicone implants may require a larger incision than Saline implants as Silicone implants can not be inserted in a deflated state as Saline implants can.
Essentially implants are of two types: silicone and saline. Despite all the hype, silicone implants are still most commonly used all over the world. In fact even in the U.S., a limited license has been given for the use of silicone implants. The placement of the implant is in a pocket either directly behind the breast tissue (right) or underneath the pectoral muscle which is located between the breast tissue and chest wall.
In 1992, because further studies were needed to establish the safety of breast implants, the Food and Drug Administration decided that silicone gel-filled implants would not be generally available for cosmetic breast enlargement. Currently, all women undergoing breast augmentation receive saline-filled implants which consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile saltwater. New scientific data on the safety of breast implants is rapidly being collected. In the future, it is possible that additional types of filler materials may become available. Your plastic surgeon will be able to provide you with the latest information.
All women over 22 years of age seeking cosmetic breast augmentation surgery and women seeking breast reconstruction surgery have the option of selecting FDA-approved silicone breast implants. The availability of both saline-filled implants which consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile saltwater and silicone gel-filled breast implants will create new options for women considering breast surgery for the first time and for those who have had previous surgeries but are seeking new replacements or revision. New scientific data on the safety of breast implants is rapidly being collected. Your plastic surgeon will be able to provide you with the latest information.
