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Silicone Gel Breast Implants: An Overview


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 The debate over using silicone gel or saline implants for breast augmentation procedures has been going on for decades, and despite the FDA’s withdrawal of silicone gel implants from the consumer market in the early ‘90s, many well-known surgeons around the country are encouraging consumers to learn about the benefits of silicone. Silicone gel implants were approved for the consumer market in the United States in 2006, and have since been monitored closely to ensure consumers are not at risk.

 
Here’s a close look at the history and benefits of silicone gel breast implants according to Dr. Tom Pousti:

History of Silicone Gel Implants

Silicone gel breast implants were initially pulled off the market by the FDA because of the high risk of rupture involved. It took well over a decade for gel implants to be reintroduced to the market, and many plastic surgeons prefer to use silicone implants instead of saline for several reasons.
 
Dr. Tom Pousti of Pousti Plastic Surgery in California has been involved with two studies for Mentor Silicone Implants and Inamed Silicone Implants for the past 10 years. He has used both types of implants for his patients with great success, but points out that women once needed to meet certain criteria such as being a mastectomy patient, having revision surgery for existing saline implants, having a breast lift, or having a chest deformity in order to qualify for silicone gel breast implant procedures. However, this is no longer the case. After rigorous scientific review, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved silicone gel-implant use for all women above the age of 22.

Silicone Breast Implants vs. Saline Implants

Unlike saline implants that are filled once the implant is placed under the muscle, silicone implants are pre-filled. This makes it easy for the surgeon to place the implant in the correct position and achieve a more natural appearance. The only major drawback with this technique is that the surgeon must make a longer incision in order to insert the implant correctly. However, the surgeon will use his or her fingers to create the appropriate size pocket, which reduces the risk of nerve damage.

Key Benefits of Silicone Gel Implants

Silicone gel breast implants continue to be monitored by the FDA, and study after study has shown several benefits of these types of implants. Studies have concluded that there is no convincing evidence that breast implants are associated with connective tissue disease, or certain types of cancer. Key benefits of silicone gel implants include:
  • Natural appearance after surgery
  • Choice of outer texture
  • Made of organic and inorganic compounds which creates a highly stabile substance
  • Soft and pliable so that it can be molded in place
  • Softer than silicone so breast feel more natural
  • Slighltly lighter in weight than silicone implants
  • Recovery period is exactly the same as silicone implants
  • Silicone does not travel through the body if it were to rupture
  • Better suited for women who have very little breast tissue
  • Nipple sensation loss is unlikely
  • Breasts will not sag over time
Overall, silicone gel breast implants offer several benefits over saline implants, and many surgeons such as Dr. Pousti are part of ongoing trials that ensure that the implants are providing the best possible outcome.
 
Learn more about silicone breast implants in our information guide.

 

 

Published: 07/03/2009, Last Updated: 07/03/2009

By Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS and LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers

Dr. Tom Pousti is a board certified plastic surgeon who performs all surgical procedures and provides postoperative care with a team of highly-trained staff at Pousti Plastic Surgery. He is a dedicated, skilled surgeon with extensive experience in the areas of breast implant procedures, tummy tucks, face lift surgery, lipoplasty and rhinoplasty. Learn more about Dr. Tom Pousti here.





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