Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants were first used in the 1960′s. Because of controversy in the early 1990′s there was a widespread fear about the possibility of silicone breast implants causing autoimmune diseases in women. Extensive studies since then have displayed no evidence that silicone breast implants lead to breast cancer, autoimmune disease or any other systemic illnesses in patients. Specifically, patients with breast implants have no higher likeliness of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma or lupus, in comparison than those without breast implants. The Food & Drug Administration approved the use of the third generation silicone gel implants in November of 2006 for women 22 years of age and older. These implants are filled with cohesive silicone gel rather than liquid silicone. The increased safety of the cohesive gel implants led to the FDA’s approval of these implants for cosmetic use. Saline implants are FDA approved for breast augmentation in women 18 years of age and older. The FDA regulates the age of approved use higher for silicone gel implants to ensure that a woman is emotionally mature enough and fully understands the risks of these implants. Both Saline and Silicone breast implants have their advantages and disadvantages. The silicone gel implants feel softer and more natural, have less chance of rippling, but are more expensive and have a higher chance of developing tightening of the scar tissue around the implant known as capsule contracture. The manufacturers of silicone gel implants (Mentor and Allergan) advise that you get an MRI after 3 years and then every 2 years thereafter to ensure that your implants are not leaking. It is unlikely that your insurance will cover the cost for an MRI. The manufacturers also warn that your insurance carrier may increase your health premiums or decline coverage if you have silicone gel implants. Saline Breast Implants Saline breast implants are very safe and if they become damaged or deflate, your body will absorb the water. Saline implants are more prone to rippling and feel less natural than silicone. Your surgeon will review the implants with you at your consultation and help you to decide which implant is best suited for you. It is suggeted that there is approximately an annual 1% risk of leakage from saline implants. The FDA clinical trials for silicone gel implants suggest a leakage rate of 8-15% over the course of 10 years. Replacement is generally a relatively simple operation. Additional cost is involved, but most implant companies offer warranties that help offset a small portion of the fees for up to 5 to 10 years.West Palm Beach Plastic Surgery | Palm Beach Breast Augmentation | Wellington Cosmetic Surgery | West Palm Beach Breast Implants