Determine Who Qualifies for Silicone Breast Implants

In the early 1990s, reports of dangerous reactions to silicone breast implants led to their removal from the U.S. market. After this time, only women undergoing breast reconstruction were able to opt for silicone implants. Since that time, there has been a considerable amount of research and interest in the effects of silicone implants. After numerous trials and studies, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration finally approved the use of silicone breast implants on November 17, 2006.

Today, women can choose between saline and silicone implants. How do you decide which option is right for you? Before you decide, it is important to learn more about the potential benefits and risks of each option.

Saline Implant Basics

For many years, saline implants were the only choice available to women seeking breast augmentation. During this type of surgery, a breast implant sac made of silicone elastomer is inserted either under the breast tissue or the muscle. Once the sac is in place, it is filled with saline until the desired size and shape is achieved.
While saline implants were generally viewed as a safer alternative for many years, they are more likely to cause visible rippling than silicone implants. Also, saline implants are generally described as heavier, harder and less natural-looking that silicone.

Silicone Implant Basics

Unlike saline implants, which are filled after they are inserted, silicone implants are pre-filled before being placed under the chest tissue or muscle. Most surgeons describe silicone implants as more natural in both appearance and feel than saline implants. However, it is important to note that this type of implant is often more difficult to remove and replace when there is a leak or rupture.

While the use of silicone breast implants is still in the growth stages, all doctors must first consider the needs of their patient before making a recommendation for which option is best. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), “In all cases, patient safety and informed decision making should be primary considerations in selecting a particular type of implant.”

Who Is a Candidate for Silicone Breast Implants?

Despite the fears of the past that led to the ban of silicone implants, the Mayo Clinic explains that breast implants do not increase the risk of breast cancers or immune diseases. If you are interested in learning more about this type of implant, you must first determine if you are a good candidate for surgery.
As of November of 2006, women over the age of 22 years old are qualified to have breast implants manufactured by Mentor Corp. and Inamed. According to the specifications by these companies, silicone implants are intended to be used for breast augmentation in order to increase breast size. Silicone implants can also be used to correct problems with a prior breast augmentation surgery. Silicone implants are also recommended for women undergoing breast reconstruction due to cancer or trauma.