Silicone Implants vs Saline Implants |
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Whats the debate is all about?
A Brief History of Breast ImplantsMore than a decade ago, the use of silicone gel-filled breast implants was banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because of the medical complications it has caused thousands of women. Throughout the ban, however, silicone gel-filled breast implants were only remained available for breast reconstruction after mastectomy as well as for those who are enrolled in clinical trials. Saline-filled breast implants, on the other hand, were available in the market all throughout the ban of the silicone gel-filled breast implants, with an FDA approval for breast augmentation. Through the constant improvements of breast implants, both types are available for use today.
Silicone Gel-filled Breast ImplantsSilicone gel-filled breast implants are sometimes called the silicone gummy bear implants because of their texture akin to those of the gummy bear candies. They are made up of a silicone elastomer (rubber) shell that is pre-filled with a fixed amount of a cohesive, gelatin-like substance that is the silicone gel. Silicone gel has viscidity or a thick and sticky fluid consistency that mimics human fat. As we know, human fat is a large component of women’s breasts. The use of silicone gel-filled breast implants, therefore, gives a more natural look and feel of the breasts because of their similarity in texture with the breast tissue. The placement of silicone gel-filled implants also differs from that of saline-filled implants. The incision for the insertion of the silicone gel-filled implants has to be large enough, generally about half an inch or more, because the implants are pre-filled with the silicone gel. There is an age restriction for getting breast implants, whether silicone gel-filled or saline-filled. For silicone gel-filled breast implants, the patient must at least be 22 years old for use of breast enlargement. That is because a woman’s breast tissue continues to develop in her early 20s. Saline-filled Breast ImplantsSaline-filled breast implants also consist of silicone shell that is filled with salt water or saline solution instead of the silicone gel. Saline-filled breast implants are not compressible and they give a more firm impression. Unlike the silicone gel-filled breast implants, saline-filled breast implants have valves though which the saline solution is later added after the insertion into the body. Smaller incisions are then required for saline-filled breast implants because they are originally empty. As mentioned above, there is also an age restriction for getting saline-filled breast implants. Women have to be at least 18 years old to have saline-filled breast implants for breast augmentation. FDA officials state that the difference in age restrictions are due to the differing risks that either implants carry. Similarities Between Saline and Silicone ImplantsDespite the many differences, there are also some similarities between silicone gel-filled breast implants and saline-filled breast implants. For one, the incisions for the insertion of both types of breast implants may be done either on the lower fold of the breasts or on the nipple. Wound closure is also identical when absolvable sutures are used during the surgery. The absolvable sutures are no longer needed to be removed and leave no mark on the skin. Scarring from the incisions is expected and is permanent. However, these scars heal over time to the point that they become almost invisible. The guidelines on post-surgery care given by the cosmetic surgeons are the same. The length of time expected for recovery on the surgeries is also the same. The reasons for the age restrictions for the use of silicone gel-filled breast implants and saline-filled breast implants imposed by the FDA are a bit arbitrary. Women who undergo breast plastic surgical procedures like breast augmentation or breast enlargement must have reached a certain stage of maturity. This is for them to be able to understand the procedure to be done on them. Knowledge on the procedure includes awareness of the risks, possible complications and the ongoing costs associated with the procedure. Both silicone gel-filled breast implants and saline-filled breast implants are approved by the FDA for breast reconstruction after mastectomy for women of any age. |
There is a constant, ongoing debate as to which type of breast implants are better for women who wish to undergo breast plastic surgery. The arguments on this debate include the implants’ safety as well as the kind of maintenance or replacement necessary and even the increased risks with either type of implants.
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