It may comforting to know that the silicone gel used in breast implants has been shown to be biocompatible and reliable, making it an appropriate option as implant-able medical devices such as artificial joints, catheters, drainage systems, facial implants, and tissue expanders.
Saline-Filled Implants
For years, saline-filled breast implants were the only option for elective breast augmentation procedures. Saline-filled implants are filled with sterilized saline solution, which is commonly used in the medical field for a variety of uses. The watery saline solution used in breast implants is isotonic, which means it has the same salt concentration as the normal cells of the body and the blood, presenting no health risk to the patient even if the implant ruptures.
Saline-filled breast implants have a self-sealing valve that is used for filling the implant with saline solution during the procedure. Saline-filled implants often create a breast shape with a gentle slope in the upper area and fullness in the lower portion of the breast.
Method of Insertion
The most common locations for the incision are around the nipple or periareola because the skin surrounding the nipple heals very nicely or along the fold under each breast where it will be concealed. Our physicians close the areas under magnification to promote optimal healing and an inconspicuous scar line.
The breast implant can be inserted directly under the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle. The implant location is usually determined during consultation since the location is usually based on a number of factors including physiological characteristics such as bone structure and natural breast tissue.
Post Procedure
Following the procedure, most women experience varying degrees of discomfort, which can be effectively managed with the proper pain medication. Depending on their profession, most women find they are able to return to work within a week of having the procedure.
It is normal for breast tissue to swell following the procedure; therefore, the new breasts often look too large immediately following the procedure. This swelling gradually subsides in two to three weeks, resulting in a more natural look. In some cases, it may take up to 12 weeks or longer for the swelling to completely subside.
Commonly Asked Questions
Are Silicone gel-filled implants safe?
The Food and Drug Administration has evaluated the available data and approved silicone-gel filled implants for breast augmentation and reconstruction.
Silicone gel-filled implants are arguably among the most studied medical devices and decades of research have evaluated their safety and effectiveness. The safety of silicone implants is supported by extensive preclinical testing, U.S. clinical studies, and European rupture prevalence data.
In addition, the Institute of Medicine recently concluded that, "There is no convincing evidence for atypical connective tissue disease or rheumatic disease or other signs and symptoms in women with silicone breast implants."
Why did the FDA take silicone gel-filled implants off the market?
In 1991, the FDA concluded that the silicone-gel filled breast implant safety data submitted by the manufacturers did not provide adequate information to determine the benefits and risks of silicone gel-filled breast implants. The panel recommended that the devices stay on the market with limited access until additional safety data was obtained and reviewed.
Do breast implants cause breast cancer?
Published studies indicate that breast cancer is no more common in women with breast implants than in women without breast implants. In its authoritative 1999 report, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) concluded that, "There is no increase in primary or recurrent breast cancer in implanted women."
What are the effects of breast implants on pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Women with silicone implants do not risk exposing their breast fed children to excessive amounts silicone. The Institute of Medicine concluded "No evidence of elevated silicone in breast milk or any other substance that would be harmful to infants (was found in women with silicone gel-filled breast implants)." They also determined "...that evidence for health effects in children related to maternal breast implants is insufficient or flawed."
However, breastfeeding difficulties have been reported following breast surgery, including breast reduction surgery, as well as breast augmentation surgery.
Can Mammograms be performed with breast implants?
Routine mammograms are important for women in the fight against breast cancer and need to be performed on women with and without breast implants. With the popularity of breast augmentation, mammogram technicians are thoroughly trained in to perform mammograms on women with implants to prevent rupture to the scar around the implant or a rupture of the implant itself. |
