What is the composition of a breast implant?
Breast implants are composed of two components, both of which are related in silicone implants and are dissimilar in saline implants. The two parts are an outer containment bag or shell and an inner filler material. In both silicone and saline implants the outer shell is a flexible silicone elastomer bag. In silicone implants, the filler is a silicone gel which feels and acts much like jello. In saline implants, the filler material is a 0.9% saltwater solution.
Is having a silicone breast implant in the body safe?
The safety of silicone and, more specifically silicone breast implants, has been extensive by the FDA for over 15 years prior to their re-introduction for commercial human implantation in late 2006. There has been no scientific evidence ever shown that links the use of silicone breast implants to any disease or illness, most specifically to any form of autoimmune disorder. Nor do they increase a woman’s risk for getting breast cancer or interfere with the detection of breast cancer.
If silicone does not make people ill, why do the lawsuits continue?
Much, if not most, of the legal activity that emanated from the breast implant controversy from the early 1990s has largely faded by now. There often is little, if any, association between lawsuits and scientific evidence. Medicine and healthcare is largely driven by empirical scientific evidence. Lawsuits and litigations are largely driven by financial and other business incentives, often despite of and in contradiction to what science may say about the issues.
What are the pros and cons of saline fill vs silicone gel filled breast implants?
Each has their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Both saline and silicone breast implants will do the job so it is not issue that one is necessarily better than the other. But there are some minor feature differences between them. Saline implants have the advantages of being less expensive and they can be insertedthrough an incision off of the breast. (armpit) But most patients will be able to feel some ripples through the skin on the bottom of the implant eventually and if the implant fails (which is inevitable) the breast will go immediately flat. (deflate) Silicone implants have no little to no rippling, feel more natural, and will not deflate if the implant fails. They are, however, more expensive and must be placed through incision in the lower crease of the breast.
Can salt-water filled implants harden like the silicone-filled ones?
All types of breast implants can eventually experience the phenomenon of hardening or capsular contracture. While once a common breast implant problem decades ago, it is very uncommon today due to the near universal placement of under the pectoralis muscle.
How long do breast implants last?
The longevity of breast implants is impossible to predict for any specific patient. As a general rule, one should think of breast implants as having a limited lifespan and will need eventual replacement. But you don’t do so until they develop a problem. (deflation or rupture) The younger one is when they are placed, the more likely they will need to be replaced over one’s long remaining lifetime.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana