The American Society of Plastic Surgery is the main governing organization for board certified plastic surgeons. They have announced as of November 17, 2006 that silicone breast implants are now approved by the FDA and considered safe for use.
Silicone breast implants were originally restricted in their use beginning in 1991 because of allegations raised regarding their safety and efficacy. Since that time appropriate research and studies have concluded they are safe and are now available for both breast reconstruction and breast augmentation.
Choosing an implant requires knowledge of your options and obligations.
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. Although they are widely accepted as an excellent choice for implantation, some women state they may feel somewhat firmer than natural breast tissue. Should the implant shell leak, a saline implant will deflate and the saline will be absorbed and naturally excreted by the body.
Silicone implants are filled with a gel-like substance. The gel has a softness and consistency that feels and moves much like natural breast tissue. After any type of implant is placed, the body will naturally form a lining around the implant called a capsule. The capsule is a part of the body whereas the shell is the outer covering of the implant itself. If the implant’s shell leaks and silicone gel is allowed to escape from the implant it is usually contained within the capsule that the body has formed around it. In rare instances the silicone can escape the capsule and be found in the surrounding breast tissue or muscle. Consequently, if a silicone gel filled implant leaks a woman may not notice a change in size or experience any significant deflation. For this reason, a woman with silicone breast implants is advised to visit her plastic surgeon annually to assess the condition of her implants. An ultrasound, mammogram or MRI screening can assess the condition of breast implants.
