Pros And Cons Of Using Silicone For Breast Implants
Introduction:
The use of silicone for breast implants has been in vogue since the advent of breast augmentation surgery. But what is the reason behind the worldwide preference for breast implants with silicone over other types of breast implants among both patients and doctors? Is it the look, the feel, the safety, or the cost? Out of the different types of implants for breast augmentation, silicone breast implants are the most widely used. But why?
If you are considering breast enlargement, this post might be helpful for you. Even though silicone implants are the commonest choice, is it suitable for you? Are you a good candidate for inserting a silicone implant? This post serves as a guide for you to find out the same.
What are the pros of silicone breast implants?
1. Comfortable:
Breast implants with silicone as the chief component are lightweight. Hence, they are very comfortable. Working women and athletes too can use these implants without any trouble running, exercising, or any other physical activity.
2. Maintains its shape:
Silicone gel provides stability to the implant. Being lightweight, it is not much affected by gravity. Both these features help maintain the shape of the breasts even when one is performing regular or strenuous physical activity.
3. Gives a natural feel:
The consistency of silicone gel gives a natural feel to the touch.
4. Looks real:
Breast implants with silicone are designed in a pear or teardrop shape. This is the exact shape of natural breasts. Thus, with this kind of implant, one gets the perks of fuller breast that looks and feels like actual natural breasts.
This look is also achieved by the special filling percentage. That is, silicone implants are 80% filled inside with silicone gel. Due to gravity, this gel shifts and settles downwards in the implant. Hence, the breasts look like normal breasts instead of the typical round shape of saline implants.
5. Provides a firm grip on the breast tissue:
These implants secure themselves firmly to the breast tissue by promoting scar tissue formation. The spikes in a textured implant heighten this feature. This allows the breast implant to adhere firmly to the breast and reduces the chances of rotation of the implant.
6. Flexible:
Silicone for breast implants stays fixed in one position due to its cohesive property. This prevents any visible sloshing of the component within the implant. As a result, for persons with little to absolutely no native breast tissue, these are the perfect option!
Thus, for patients undergoing breast reconstruction after a mastectomy or for female gender reassignment surgery, this is the first choice.
7. Minimal capsular contracture:
These implants have a reduced risk of capsular contracture or hardening of the outer silicone shell of the implant.
8. Silent rupture:
Usually, the different types of implants used for breast augmentation are hardy. However, there is always a very minimal chance of rupture. For silicone breast implants, this does not cause any massive issues because of two factors:
- Even if the implant ruptures, the silicone gel stays in place. This prevents any awkward situation in public.
- Silicone for breast implants is non-toxic for the body.
What are the cons of silicone breast implants?
1. Bigger incision:
Silicone for breast implants is pre-filled by the implant manufacturing company. Hence, a wider incision is needed to insert the implants in place.
Since the incision is made below the breast, the breast itself conceals the scar.
2. No modification possible by the surgeon:
The pre-filling prevents the breast surgeon from making any on-spot changes in terms of the amount of filling or the size of the implant.
3. Silent rupture:
Even though silicone is non-toxic, it may spread to surrounding areas causing pain and lumps in breasts if the implant ruptures. It does so at a very slow pace and in rare conditions. Hence, it is not an emergency condition. But it is often not diagnosed at all (since the silicone gel retains the breast shape for a long time). The lumps may also be misdiagnosed as breast cancer.
Gummy bear breast implants are the perfect innovation in silicone implants. It contains a special silicone gel which is more adhesive than regular silicone gel. So, even if the implant ruptures, the silicone gel remains in place.
4. Age restriction:
Silicone breast implants are available for breast augmentation by women aged 22 years and above.
5. Cost:
The cost of silicone breast implants is considerably higher than saline breast implants.
How many years do silicone implants last?
On average, silicone implants may last anywhere between 10 years and 20 years. However, the surrounding breast tissue starts hardening over some time. This sometimes causes pain and stiffness in the breasts. Thus, about 80% of women who opt for breast implants remove or replace them after 8-10 years.
Conclusion:
Silicone for breast implants is worth the cost owing to the benefits they provide. However, opting for these implants means that you will have to be under regular check-ups. According to the new regulations of the FDA, one has to visit their breast surgeon for a breast evaluation every 2-3 years. They also have to undergo MRIs every 2-3 years to detect any silent rupture. It is due to the maintenance hassle that women below 22 years of age cannot choose to get silicone breast implants. However, the advantages they provide outweigh their cons.
Also Read: Breast Implant Surgery: Is It Safe?
About Dr V. S. Rathore:
Dr V .S. Rathore is the leading breast surgeon in Kolkata. His experience of almost two decades makes him sufficiently qualified to carry out the procedures with great precision. The latest use of technology ensures safety in the outcome.
Contact us to book your appointment today.
