Breast Implants: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the most common type of breast implant used for breast augmentation?
   The most common type of breast implant used in the U.S. is a smooth, round implant. The majority are filled with saline (salt water), but silicone gel breast implants are also available.



2. What is the difference between smooth and textured breast implants?
   The breast implant surface can be either smooth or textured. Some women prefer the natural feel of smooth breast implants, and claim that they are less likely to visibly ripple. Others prefer the textured breast implant, and believe the textured surface lowers their risk of capsular contracture; however clinical studies show that there is no difference in the incidence of capsular contracture with textured breast implants when compared to smooth breast implants. Breast implant texture is mostly a matter of personal preference.



3. What is the difference between anatomical and round breast implants?
   Anatomical breast implants (also known as teardrop breast implants or contoured breast implants) create a more natural contour than round breast implants. However, when choosing a breast implant shape, it is important to consider your body type. For example, women who are thin may be better off choosing teardrop-shaped breast implants because they will create a more subtle profile. On the other hand, since the length of an anatomical breast implant is greater than the width, it may not be a good choice for women under 5'5”.
   Round breast implants are the most popular breast implant choice. A round breast implant creates a fuller breast, resulting in more cleavage. When viewed from the front, they take on the same form as contoured breast implants.



4. What are expandable breast implants?
   Expandable breast implants have a small removable port, which the plastic surgeon will not take out immediately after your breast augmentation surgery. As long as the port is still in place, your breast implants can either be made larger or smaller for up to 6 months after your breast enhancement surgery. One disadvantage of this type of breast implant is that another breast surgery is required to remove the port.



5. Are silicone breast implants available in the United States?
   In November of 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of silicone gel-filled breast implants for breast augmentation in women ages 22 and older, and for breast reconstruction in women of all ages.



6. Are silicone implants safe?
   Over the past several years, numerous independent studies have been done to determine whether silicone breast implants are associated with connective tissue disease or cancer. Those studies have established that there is no convincing evidence that breast implants are associated with either of these diseases.



7. What are the warranties for breast implants?Do they differ from company to company?
   Breast implant manufacturers do provide warranties on breast implants. In general, if your implant ever deflates or ruptures, you will receive a new implant, and approximately $1200 for surgical fees to have the implant replaced.
   Breast implant warranties do not cover replacement of the implant for cosmetic reasons, deflation or rupture during another surgical procedure, implant replacement due to capsular contracture, or replacement of the second implant if one implant ruptures or leaks.
   Warranties may differ slightly from one manufacturer to the next. Ask your plastic surgeon for warranty information that is specific to your breast implants.



8. How long do breast implants last?
   The amount of time breast implants last is variable. Leaks, tears, or holes can occur over time. Many women will never have to replace their breast implants, but breast implants are not meant to last forever, so it is best to assume that at least one breast implant will need to be replaced during your lifetime.