breast implant types

Breast augmentation surgery is a cosmetic procedure designed to change the size and shape of a woman’s breasts while creating a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.  For many women, breast augmentation allows them to create a look that is more proportionate with other features and to fit into clothes with confidence.  While the reasons for wanting breast augmentation are numerous, Dr. John LeRoy encourages any woman contemplating breast enhancement to fully understand her implant options before undergoing surgery to maximize satisfaction with her results.

In addition to implant size (measured in cubic centimeters), patients must also elect the type of implant they’re to receive.  Currently, there are three FDA-approved or indicated breast implant types:  saline, silicone, and silicone gel. Saline implants are composed of a silicone elastomer shell that is inserted into the body deflated and then filled during surgery to the pre-determined volume with sterile saline solution once in place.  Many patients choose saline breast implants for fear of side effects from silicone breast implant rupture.  Because saline is inherent to the chemistry of the body, there are no known biological side effects in the event of saline implant rupture whereas the long-term effects of silicone exposure are still inconclusive.

The other side to the breast implant coin is the natural look and feel of silicone breast implants.  Composed of a silicone elastomer shell, silicone implants come prefilled with a silicone gel congruous to the consistency of human fat.  Like saline implants, silicone implants are surgically inserted to create the previously decided contour.  Because silicone gel is more viscous, a breast implant leak or rupture may be slower and less noticeable.  For that reason, the FDA currently recommends that all women who have silicone implants receive an MRI every 2 years, beginning 3 years after their surgery, to detect any changes in the implants such as leaks or ruptures.  In the event of a leak, most board certified plastic surgeons will recommend patients to receive breast revision surgery to remove and replace the affected implant.

The most recent option, undergoing further FDA study as of March 2012, Sientra’s PMA silicone gel breast implant is made of a silicone shell filled with a cohesive, semi-solid silicone gel.  Referred to in popular media as the “gummy bear implant”, the Sientra implants were designed to offer an additional textural option as well as hold their shape in the event of implant trauma like leak or rupture.  As with any cosmetic procedure, Dr. LeRoy encourages all of his patients to examine their medical history as well as their lifestyle and cosmetic goals when pursuing breast surgery.

To learn more about breast implant surgery in Atlanta with Dr. John LeRoy, visit his website and continue to read his blog.  You can also connect with Dr. LeRoy on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + for the latest plastic surgery and breast implant technology news.