Breast Implant - What Are Breast Implants?

Breast Implant Silicone The breast implant is an artificial device (prosthesis) that is used to modify the size and shape of the breast. It is the key prosthesis in breast augmentation surgery. Beyond typical cosmetic surgery, it sees use in breast reconstruction on patients that have had breast tissue removed due to cancer or other ailments or accidents. It is also used on persons undergoing transgender operation. For men that require chest reconstruction plastic surgery or simply want an artificially built up chest, pectoral implants are used. There are two main types of breast implants and they differ in the substance used to fill the implant. They are either silicon gel implants or saline fluid implants.

Silicone Gel Implants - Silicone gel implants were the first widely used type of breast implant. As such, they have been used for over 30 years. The make-up of the silicone gel used has changed somewhat over the years. This has been due to previous silicone implants breaking down or leaking. In some cases the silicone can be found in the surrounding areas of the breast. Back then, the type of silicone used was more like an oil. Today, the silicone used is in gel form. The downside to silicone gel is leak detection. Some leaks can take years to detect. As such, it is recommended to undergo periodic MRI's to ensure the structure of the implant is intact.

Saline Implants - Saline implants are relatively newer types of breast implants. The saline fluid used is basically sterilized water that has similiar amounts of salts as most of our bodily fluids do. The saline fluid is only inserted into the implant once the breast implant has been positioned underneath the breast tissue. There are some advantages to saline implants over silicon gel ones. If the implant ruptures, the leaking fluid does not cause any harm to the body as it is absorbed. Additionaly, should a rupture occur, the implant will deflate immediately, informing the unlucky recipient of the implant failure. Some saline implants enable adjustment several months after the breast augmentation procedure has been done. This gives the patient time to adjust to the new breast size as enlargement is gradual rather than immediate. These types of implants tend to cost more than reguar saline breast implants.

Overall, there are pro's and cons to both silicone implants and saline implants. As stated above, silicone implant leaks are harder to detect. They are also harder to remove than their saline counterpart. However, many plastic surgeons feel that silicone implants better emulate the breast tissue and gives a more natural look. Saline on the other hand, is completely safe during rupture which is a huge plus point.