Silicone Breast Implants / Saline Breast Implants
Carmel and Indianapolis, Indiana
In December 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Mentor and Inamed Coroporations to release silicone gel implants to the market for cosmetic breast augmentation. This again gives cosmetic surgery patients the option to choose between silicone gel breast implants and saline filled implants for breast enhancement purposes. Gel implants have generally not been available to the public except under severe restrictions since their removal in 1991.
What has changed? The manufacturers have submitted long-term investigational studies that have satisfied the FDA's original reservations concerning the safety of these devices. In fact, gel implants are, perhaps, the most studied medical device released to the market. The FDA has placed several restrictions on the use of silicone gel for breast augmentation. It is Dr. Linderman's feeling that they are overly burdensome and create increased economic costs for the patients.
What are the pros and cons of both? Which has a more natural feel? The gel implants do have a more natural feel and consistency. They are designed with a newer, more viscous gel with less change of spread if the implant should leak. The membrane, or outer shell, is less porous helping to eliminate gel bleed, which is migration of small amounts of silicone across the shell. This was a problem with older implants.
Leakage and Deflation
Can implants leak or deflate? Both implants can leak, but saline implant leakage is easier to detect as they completely deflate and can be easily replaced. Gel implants may leak, but this may be asymptomatic and more difficult to determine. The FDA has recommended regular MRI examinations, which can be quite costly to the patient. Even though there might be a slight leakage, the question is raised what should be done in patients without symptoms. No cosmetic change in the breast, no pain, and no palpable abnormality.
Is the silicone that leaks a health hazard? All of the exhaustive studies done on these devices would indicate "no." What would be done depends on the patient. Replacement may be indicated.
If you consider yourself an anxious person, then gel implants may not be the best choice for you. If the cosmetic feel is very important and the additional surgery and maintenance costs are not a factor and your anxiety level is low, then gel implants may be the better choice for you.
Indeed, there are some patients who are better candidate for gel implants because of previous surgery or thin skin. In the final analysis, it is between you and your surgeon.
Please contact Dr. Richard Linderman at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Indiana today to learn more about implant types including saline breast implants and silicone breast implants for breast enhancement, or to schedule your initial consultation.
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Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
of Indiana
12188-A North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46032
toll free: 1-800-678-9909
phone: 317-848-5400
Naab Road Surgery Center
8260 Naab Road
Indianapolis, IN 46260