subject: Saline vs Silicone Breast Implants [print this page] Saline vs Silicone Breast Implants Saline vs Silicone Breast Implants
As late as fall of 2006, most women in America did not have a choice in deciding what type of implants to have when undergoing cosmetic breast augmentation. Fortunately, the FDA finally allowed manufacturers who meet their rigorous criteria to return their silicone gel implants to the U.S. market. Now women have two choices when deciding on breast augmentation surgery, saline implants, or silicone gel implants. The reintroduction of silicone gel implants met with very little press, at least in relation to when they were initially banned in the early 1990's. Silicone implants have long been regarded as the most natural looking implant devices available, while saline implants are thought to be safer and virtually as effective.
Saline
Saline implants are made out of a silicone elastomer (as opposed to containing silicone fluid), which can be placed while empty, or partially empty, during surgery. After placement, the sac is filled with saline to the proper amount. Because the implant is deflated, the size of the incision is smaller which minimizes any scarring that occurs.
In the event of a rupture or leak, which is relatively rare, the body more readily absorbs saline. Rupture and possible adverse affects of silicone gel implants were the main reasons silicone was banned by the FDA.
During the 1990's saline implants were used widely in the United States, but were not as widely used in other countries where silicone gel implants were still readily available.
Advantages of Saline Implants
The fluid is more readily absorbable by the body.
Can be inserted deflated through smaller incisions.
Used in the U.S. by thousands of women since the 1990s.
Silicone Gel
In the 1990's, in response to several class action lawsuits against implant manufacturers, the Food and Drug Administration banned silicone breast implants for breast augmentation. (They were still available to most women undergoing breast reconstruction surgery).
In the lawsuits, silicone gel implants were correlated with many physical problems, including:
Increased risk of breast cancer
Rheumatoid arthritis
Connective tissue disorder
Auto-immune disorders
After the initial ban, silicone implants were reclassified as investigational devices and subject to strict approval prior to full consideration.
Many women and cosmetic surgeons prefer silicone gel implants for the aesthetic value and because silicone is denser than saline, providing a more natural look and feel. The latest silicone gel implants have been safely in use in other countries for many years, and are now approved by the FDA and available to all women over age 22. New-generation silicone gel devices contain highly cohesive gel; meaning that in the event of a rupture, there is little chance of the fluid actually leaking out of the surrounding sac.
Advantages of Silicone Gel
Improved safety monitored by the FDA.
Natural look and feel.
In the short period of time that silicone gel made its re-entry into the U.S. market, breast augmentation procedures became the leading cosmetic surgical procedure for the first time since the American Society of Plastic Surgeons began keeping track.
When deciding on breast augmentation surgery, and which type of implant works best, it is important to find a reputable surgeon who is board certified and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
