Types Of Breast Implants

There are two types of breast implants: saline implants and silicone implants.

Saline implants are breast implants that are filled with salt water. The volume of salt water used to fill a saline implant will determine the breast’s shape, firmness, and feel.

Silicone implants are breast implants that are filled with a silicone gel. Silicone gel-filled implants feel more like a natural breast than saline implants.

Which type of breast implant is best for you is not only determined by personal choice, but also by your desired breast size, your current breast structure, your skin’s elasticity, and your body type.

Breast Implants Leaks

If a saline implant leaks, the breast implant will collapse and the body will absorb the excess saline. You will need to go back to your plastic surgeon to have the implant replaced.

When a silicone implant leaks, it may or may not collapse. People with silicone breast implants need to visit their plastic surgeons on a regular basis to make sure the implants are not leaking.

The Safety of Silicone Implants

There have been a number of independent studies conducted over the past several years to determine whether silicone breast implants are associated with connective tissue disease or cancer. The studies have all concluded that there is no convincing evidence to suggest that silicone breast implants are associated with either of these diseases.

As of November 2006, the use of silicone breast implants for breast reconstruction in women of all ages and for breast augmentation in women who are at least 22 years of age, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.