Silicone Implants vs. Saline Breast Implants
Carmel and Indianapolis, Indiana
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular procedures performed in cosmetic surgery. Women who wish to their improve their breast size and shape are typical patients for breast enhancement surgery. The modern age of breast augmentation began in the 1960s with the development of the silicone gel implant by Cronin and the inflatable saline implant by Jenny. Although these implants have undergone some modification since their original development, they are still very similar to the original implants. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitoring of these medical devices. In 1992, the FDA placed severe restrictions on the use of silicone gel implants and effectively removed them from the market. After much study and research, the FDA approved gel implants for all women over the age of 21. The original allegations that silicone gel implants posed serious health risks, such as autoimmune disorders and connective tissue disease, were never supported by clinical trials and research.
Saline Breast Implant
Since the removal of silicone gel implants from the general market in the early 1990s, saline breast implants have been the implant of choice for breast augmentation. Implants have been developed in different shapes and sizes to accommodate anatomic variations in patients. Texturing of the shell of implants was developed to try to reduce the incidence of capsular contracture or breast hardness. Textured implants do have a higher rate of implant deflation.
One of the advantages of saline implants is the ability to detect implant rupture or deflation. When a deflation occurs, the implants flattens like a tire and the body safely absorbs the saline. Deflated implants are easily replaced often under local anesthesia. For most saline implants, the deflation rate is around 5 percent over a ten-year period. Current implants are covered by a lifetime replacement warranty provided by the manufacturers.
Disadvantages of saline implants include a less natural feel and occasional problems with skin rippling in patients with thinner stretched skin.
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Silicone Breast Implant
Current silicone gel implants have a similar outer shell as saline implants. In contrast to saline implants, the shell is filled with a silicone gel, which has a higher viscosity and more natural feel than saline. Recent modifications of the gel have made it more cohesive so that if a rupture were to occur, the gel tends not to migrate. Gel implants are available with texturing of the shell that in some studies has shown to decrease scar formation around the implant. Modification of the outer shell has eliminated “gel bleed” or migration of microscopic amounts of gel through the outer shell. Silicone gel implants tend to have a more natural feel, but require a larger incision of about five cm to insert the implants. Rupture of a silicone gel implant is more difficult to determine and may require an MRI scan to evaluate. Silicone gel implants are also more expensive.
Since the release of silicone gel implants in 2006, there and has been a resurgence in their use and demand by patients. Current implants have a very natural feel with a highly cohesive gel that prevents migration if rupture should occur. These implants do have a more natural feel and for some patients with thin skin and stretch marks, gel implants may produce a better result without skin wrinkling that can occur with saline implants.
A third generation highly cohesive gel implant will soon be released in the United States. This "Gummy Bear" implant will be available in many anatomic shapes and has been available in Europe for several years. The gel in somewhat firmer than current implants and natural lateral displacement when lying down does not occur. A larger access incision is required. Although new, they will not be the implant for every patient but does add another cosmetic choice.
Learn more about silicone breast implants - are they the right choice for you?
Learn more about breast augmentation incisions
If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, contact Dr. Linderman at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Indiana for a free initial consultation. to see if you are a candidate for this popular procedure. Dr. Linderman is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with over thirty years of experience. He has performed over 5000 breast augmentations.
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Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
of Indiana
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