In our previous installment of Breast Implants 101, we discussed saline-filled breast implants and the use of a saline-filled implant changes the results of a breast augmentation. The appearance, shape and size of the breasts can be significantly improved with a Breast Augmentation. The final result of your procedure not only depends on the skill and expertise of your board-certified plastic surgeon, but also on which implants you choose and how they're implanted. Your plastic surgeon will discuss all of the options, benefits and risks associated with Breast Augmentation surgery.
Today, we'll be discussing silicone gel-filled breast implants.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants are pre-filled with a medical-grade silicone gel. Silicone is used in other types of implants, such as facial implants and is used in other medical implants such as artificial joints, drainage systems, etc. Silicone gel-filled implants come in various sizes, shapes and profiles and the surface of the implant can be either smooth or textured. Silicone gel-filled implants offer a softer, more natural-feel than saline-filled breast implants. Silicone-gel implants are less likely to ripple than saline-filled implants and are often used in women with little breast tissue such as women who are very slim and women undergoing breast reconstruction following breast cancer.
The silicone implant described in this article should not be confused with the Cohesive Gel Breast Implant or "Gummy Bear" breast implant, which is a different type of silicone breast implant.
The filler used in a silicone breast implants results in a breast implant that can maintain its general shape in the body, while remaining soft to the touch. Silicone breast implants are already filled to the desired volume and require a larger incision than an un-filled saline breast implant. The volume of a silicone breast implant cannot be adjusted and unlike saline-filled breast implants, silicone gel-filled implants do not deflate when ruptured. In fact, they often leak very slowly. Because of this, the breast shape may not change, making leaks less apparent to the patient. If a rupture is suspected, an MRI can confirm the leak. The silicone gel filler normally remains within the breast capsule, but there is always a chance that the silicone can migrate to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes under the arm and major organs such as the lungs, leading to other complications.
The FDA recommends that women with silicone-gel filled breast implants undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) three years after their surgery, and every two years thereafter to check for ruptures. Silicone implants must be removed if they rupture or leak.
Silicone gel-filled breast implants can be inserted using inframammary (crease where the breast and chest come together), periareolar (nipple), or transaxillary (armpit) incisions. They cannot be implanted using a or TUBA (belly button) incision. Silicone-filled breast implants can be placed in a subglandular (over the muscle), partial submuscular (only a top portion of the implant is covered by muscle) or complete submuscular (under the muscle).
How they feel
Silicone gel-filled breast implants are the most popular choice when a softer, more natural touch and feel is desired. Silicone breast implants feel like a semi-solid gel and more closely resemble natural breast tissue than a saline-filled breast implant.
As always, you should discuss the benefits and risks associated with breast augmentation surgery and the use of silicone breast implants with a qualified and experienced surgeon.