Considering breast implants?

If you’re considering breast implants, you may wonder how to choose between saline-filled and silicone gel-filled implants. The quality of a breast implant that goes into your body is as important as the skill of the surgeon who puts it there. At East Lake Plastic Surgery Center in Palm Harbor, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Isidoros Moraitis only uses FDA-approved Saline and Silicone Gel implants manufactured by Mentor and Allergan.

Based on your body type, Dr. Moraitis may recommend one type of implant over another for optimal cosmetic results. Ultimately, the choice between saline and silicone is up to you. To follow is some information that you may find helpful in your research on the differences between Saline and Silicone Gel breast implants.

What is the difference between saline and silicone breast implants?

Saline and silicone breast implants both have a similar silicone outer shell. However, the implants differ in material and consistency.

• Saline breast implants. Saline implants are filled with saline, usually at the time of surgery. Some women have concerns that saline-filled breast implants are firmer than silicone or less natural feeling, but improved surgical techniques such as placing the implant behind the chest muscle and slightly overfilling it significantly reduced those concerns. Saline-filled implants have a typical lifespan of 10- 15 years. If a saline breast implant ruptures, the implant will simply deflate, causing the affected breast to change in size and shape. The leaking saline solution is absorbed by your body without posing any health risks. However, you will need surgery to either exchange or remove the ruptured implant. Saline breast implants are available to women age 18 and older for breast augmentation, or women of any age for breast reconstruction.

• Silicone breast implants. Silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel. This gel is a thick, cohesive fluid that feels very similar to natural breast and fatty tissue. Some women feel that silicone gel breast implants look and feel more like natural breast tissue. ." Through years of research and patient studies, there has been no evidence to indicate that leaking silicone gel causes serious, long-term health problems such as breast cancer or connective tissue diseases. Silicone gel implants have a typical lifespan of 15-20 years. If a silicone gel breast implant ruptures, you may not notice right away or ever. This is commonly referred to as a " silent rupture" . A silent rupture of a silicone gel implant may eventually cause breast pain or changes in the contour or shape of the breast. If this happens, you will need surgery to exchange or remove the ruptured implant. Silicone gel breast implants are available to women age 22 and older for breast augmentation, or women of any age for breast reconstruction.

• The Food and Drug Administration recommends monitoring silicone breast implants for rupture with routine MRI scans every two years, starting three years after the initial implant surgery.

Is the safety of breast implants being monitored?

Both saline and silicone breast implants are considered safe for breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. Long-term follow-up studies to look for evidence of continued safety and effectiveness of saline and silicone breast implants are ongoing.

What is a Gummy Bear Implant?

A 4th Generation silicone breast implant called a "gummy bear" implant is currently in development. The gummy bear implant differs slightly from the current 3rd Generation implants that are widely used today in that it is made of a more cohesive silicone gel, which may help the implant better keep its shape over time. As of today, gummy bear implants are only available to women enrolled in the clinical study to test the product’s safety and effectiveness. We anticipate its release for cosmetic use to all women over the age of 22 within the next year.

Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime

You’ll likely need additional surgery at some point to correct leakage or cosmetic issues. If you decide to have your implants removed, you may need a breast lift or other corrective surgery to help your breasts return to their pre-implant appearance. For information on manufacturers’ Breast Implant warranties and enhanced warranty options, please consult with our Palm Harbor plastic surgery staff at 727-773-9796.

Complimentary Cosmetic Consultation

A complimentary cosmetic consultation with Dr. Moraitis to discuss saline and silicone implant options can help you decide which type is right for you.
For more information on Saline and Silicone Implants or to schedule a complimentary cosmetic consultation at our Palm Harbor plastic surgery practice, please contact us by calling 727-773-9796 today or by completing our contact form to request a personal contact from our office.

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