Understanding the types of breast implants
By Dr. Heidi Harrington
Beaufort Memorial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics
Thinking of getting breast implants? You’re not alone. For years, breast augmentation has remained one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in America.
With multiple types of breast implants, which is right for you?
Choosing to undergo breast augmentation or breast reconstruction surgery is a very personal choice. What kind of implant you go with is just as personal, as each option has its own set of perks.
As defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, breast implants “are medical devices implanted under the breast tissue or chest muscle.” These devices are sought for two reasons that can improve comfort and confidence.
Currently, women in the United States have access to two FDA-approved implants: saline- and silicone gel-filled implants. Similar as they are, silicone and saline implants have differences. The most obvious is the material inside each. Understanding what’s inside each can help you decide which implant is best for you.
Silicone-filled implants
Silicone comes from silicon, a semimetallic element that combines with oxygen in nature to form silicon dioxide, or silica. Silica is found in beach sand, crystals and quartz, making it one of the most common substances on Earth. To produce silicon, silica is heated with carbon at high temperatures. This silicon can then be processed to create a long chemical chain called silicone, which can be a liquid, gel or rubbery substance. Silicone breast implants use silicone gel. To qualify for silicone breast augmentation, you must be at least 18 years old.
Silicone breast implants have undergone extensive medical research. All of this research has produced a safe way to enhance the size and shape of the breasts, making you more comfortable in your body for years to come.
This type of breast implant provides benefits including appearing and feeling more natural.
Saline breast implants
Saline implants are water-based and filled with saline solution. Depending on your cosmetic surgeon’s preferences, these implants may be prefilled or filled in during your procedure. This type of breast augmentation is available for women aged 18 or older.
Benefits of saline-filled breast implants include increased firmness and a smaller incision.
Breast implants often provide years of boosted confidence. On occasion, however, an issue may arise. Issues you may experience include the following:
- Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) — BIA-ALCL is not a type of breast cancer. It’s an immune system cancer that can cause swelling, pain or a mass at the site of the breast implant. Symptoms may begin years after placement. Though typically confined to the area surrounding the implant, it can spread to various parts of the body. If you experience swelling or pain, consult your healthcare provider for evaluation and possible imaging.
- Repeated surgeries — Depending on the age of your implants, your particular health situation or how long ago you had a breast enhancement procedure, you may need a second or third breast augmentation surgery. Keep in mind that multiple surgeries carry additional risks, so discuss your options thoroughly with your surgeon.
- Rupture — With silicone implants, leaking silicone usually remains within the breast area. This can make it difficult to know when a rupture has occurred, as the leaked silicone continues to support breast shape. Over time, breast size may change, and you may experience tingling or other sensations in the breast. A rupture is more obvious with a saline-filled implant. The saline escapes the shell, and your body quickly absorbs the saline, leaving the affected breast with a deflated appearance. If you suspect a rupture, seek immediate medical attention to assess and address the issue.
When choosing between the types of breast implants, saline and silicone is just one decision. Other considerations include fitting your implant with your body type and goals, your finances and the shape and size of the implant.
The most vital part to any breast augmentation is your care team, Working with a caring board-certified plastic surgeon positions you to have a wonderful surgical experience and results you cherish for as long as the implants remain in place.
Heidi Harrington, M.D., is a board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon with two decades of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery experience. She sees patients at Beaufort Memorial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics in Okatie.
