03 Jan The Safety Factors Of Silicone Gel Implants
If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, you will be making a few decisions in regards to the size, shape, insertion site. And you also will have to decide the material that will fill your implants.
Two types of implants available in the U.S. and those are saline and silicone. Each has an outer shell that is made of silicone, but the difference is one contains saline, which is mostly sterile salt water. Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel.
The Breast Implant Rupture Controversy
Silicone breast implants were initially introduced in the 1960’s and by the 1980’s they had become extremely popular. However, as happy as some women were with them, many others claimed a critical link between ruptured silicone implants and risks for serious illness, such as lupus, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Upon removal of the implants, these women claimed their symptoms disappeared, and consequently lawsuits were filed.
Without substantial evidence or proof that silicone implants were causing health issues, the FDA restricted the use of silicone implants in 1992 to only women having reconstructive surgery after breast cancer. Until 2006 women had no choice other than saline breast implants.
After intensive reviews and research, the FDA found there was no link between silicone and autoimmune disease. The sale and use of silicone gel implants were reinstated.
So, which implant is safer? There is no evidence that one is any safer over the other, but each carries with it pros and cons.
Ruptures: Saline Versus Silicone
Either implant has to potential to burst, crack, or otherwise break. It may be caused by surgical error, a car accident, and a fall or in rare cases, the pressure from a mammogram. However, with each of the implants, the implication is different.
Saline implant ruptures are readily detectable. Over a couple of days the fluid leaks out, and the breast rapidly changes shape. The saline fluid that leaks out is harmlessly absorbed by the body.
On the other hand, silicone ruptures are harder to detect. When the breakdown occurs, it leaks into the body and sometimes spreads toward distant lymph nodes. This may sound scary, but studies find no increased risk of disease when and if that were to happen. If a silicone implant ruptures, your doctor will more than likely recommend that it be removed along with any loose silicone.
Silicone ruptures are very often “silent fractures,” only detectable with an MRI. It is for this reason that it is recommended that woman has an MRI 3 years after the initial implant placement.
The Breast Implant Material Choice Is Yours
Obviously, there are things to consider before choosing a type of breast implant, whether it be for reconstruction or augmentation. And, the good news is that of the 300,000 women who have breast implants are satisfied with them. Many remain concerned about future health issues, but research has not found an association between breast implants and disease.
Contact Dr. Shaun Parson For A Breast Augmentation Consultation
If you have questions about breast augmentation, let us sit down and speak candidly about the risks and concerns. Learn more about Dr. Parson and meet with our professional – they have the experience and knowledge to help guide you as you navigate through your upcoming breast surgery – 480-282-8386.