More about Silicone Breast Implants

Implant Surgery in Dallas, Texas

In November, 2006, the FDA announced its approval of silicone gel breast implants for all women over age 22, both for reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. This was a happy day for cosmetic surgeons, who could now give their breast augmentation patients a choice between the saline-filled implants that had been the only choice for 14 years, and these new silicone gel implants.

Brief History of Silicone gel breast implants:

For nearly 30 years, silicone gel breast implants were used in breast augmentation surgery. Until 1992, many women enjoyed the results silicone breast implants provided. In the 1980s and early 1990s, however, some women began reporting health complications and side effects, citing the silicone breast implants as the cause. The complaints and side effects reported by women during this time were almost always vague and inconclusive, but they received national attention as they gained media interest and television shows began requesting a ban on silicone breast implants from the FDA.

In 1992, the FDA responded to media pressure by restricting use of silicone gel implants to breast reconstruction, and banning them for cosmetic surgery, pending further safety studies.

There had been class-action lawsuits through the 1980s against silicone gel implant manufacturers which culminated in a 1998 multi-billion settlement with Dow Corning, the country’s then-largest manufacturer of silicone gel. This put Dow Corning in bankruptcy protection for nine years and drove most other companies out of the business.

During the 14 years between 1992 and 2006, many intensive studies were done under the auspices of the FDA on silicone gel implants. None showed any connection between the gel and any identifiable systemic disease whatsoever.

On November 17, 2006, the FDA lifted its 14-year restriction on silicone breast implants as a result of the extensive data and study results that determined that they are safe and effective for use in all breast surgeries.

Are there new requirements using silicone gel implants?

The FDA is requiring further follow-up information from the two companies whose implants have been approved. Dr. Rai will record any required information about the implants used in your surgery and might ask you for some information after your implants are in place.

Are silicone gel implants safe?

The silicone gel implants approved in November, 2006 by the FDA are safe and sturdy. The research done since 1992, while silicone gel implants were on restricted use, has found no connection whatsoever between these implants and any systemic disease. The heated claims of the 1980s media frenzy have been shown to be baseless. Moreover, the newly-approved implants have thicker shells and non-leaking silicone gel. A rupture is extraordinarily unlikely, and even if it were to happen, the gel would not leak out. Further, even if it did leak out, remember that silicone is a common substance in all our households, and we are exposed to it daily in dish detergent, lotions, hairsprays, and many other products.

How are new breast implants different than previously available implants?

For the most part, silicone implants have been made much more sturdy than the silicone breast implants used in the past. Shells used for silicone breast implants are stronger and less likely to rupture after they have been placed. Advancements have also been made in the silicone gel used to fill the implants. Silicone gel is thicker, preventing it from migrating into other areas of the body if a rupture were to occur. Mentor refers to this new from of silicone gel as “Memory Gel.”

What are various options in size and shape in Silicone gel implants?

Breast implants are not sized the way bras are sized, with a number and a letter (34C, 36A etc.). The implants you choose will be of a size to make up the difference between whatever your current size is, and the size you would like to have. This is an issue to discuss with Dr. Rai.

What are the advantages of silicone gel implants over saline filled implants?

The largest advantages silicone breast implants provide over saline breast implants are in the results. First, many doctors and patients agree that silicone breast implants provide more natural results. Secondly, silicone breast implants have fewer occurrences of rippling, allowing for better subglandular placement. Lastly, since silicone breast implants are filled when they are being manufactured as opposed to during the procedure, there is less chance of leakage.

What are disadvantages of silicone gel implants?

There are a few disadvantages of having silicone breast implants instead of saline breast implants. Silicone breast implants require a slightly longer incision to be placed because they are filled prior to the procedure, instead of during the procedure like saline breast implants. Also, silicone breast implants cannot be placed through belly button incisions, making them unsuitable for tuba procedures. Lastly, silent leaks may be possible with silicone breast implants, but these can be checked for with periodic MRI exams.

What incision choices are available for breast augmentation with silicone gel implants?

Although silicone breast implants cannot be placed via belly button incisions, they can be placed via any other breast augmentation incision, including the breast crease (inframammary) incision, the armpit (axillary) incision, and the periareolar incision.

Where are silicone gel implants placed?

Just like saline breast implants, silicone breast implants can be placed above or below the pectoral muscle. The placement of your breast implant depends on a variety of factors including lifestyle needs, chest size, existing breast tissue, and results desired. There are advantages and disadvantages to both placement options:

Submuscular Placement

Implants are supported by pectoral muscles
Less likely to sag over time
Less defined cleavage than with subglandular implants
Submuscular placement operations generally take longer to perform
Recovery from submuscular placement is long and usually more painful

Subglandular Placement

More likely to have future sagging
Feel more natural
Behave move like natural breasts
Fit better in bras
Cleavage is more defined
Implants do not move up or down when the chest muscle moves
Recovery is less painful
Operation is faster
They have slightly higher incidence of capsular contracture
Implants tend to move with the motion of chest muscles
Slightly less incidence of capsular contractures.

For the most information about the benefits of silicone gel breast implants, please contact Dr Rai in Dallas, Texas for a breast surgery consultation.

For answers to all of your cosmetic surgery questions contact us online today,
or call us to set up your personal consultation with Dr. Rai at the
Cosmetic Surgical Center 972-392-3511, or toll-free at 1-800-558-7355.

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