What is the Safest Breast Implant?
01/15/2020 There are two possible fillings for breast implants
- Silicone
- Saline
Silicone is a synthetic polymer that, as a breast implant filling, tends to produce a more natural look and feel. Saline is a sterile saltwater solution that tends to make implants look fuller and more rounded.
Both types of breast implants are approved by the FDA and are considered safe for breast augmentation.
While both types of breast implants are safe, there are certain advantages each offers over the other.
Saline implants are filled after they have been placed. This may offer advantages such as a smaller incision and the ability to make slight adjustments to volume after the implants have been placed. This implant option may produce a firmer feel and fuller appearance than silicone alternatives as well.
Silicone implants tend to produce a look and feel that more closely resembles breast tissue. Form-stable implants, also known as “gummy bear breast implants,” have been designed to mimic breast tissue perfectly, allowing for natural-looking and lifelike results. Due to the viscosity of silicone breast implants, they are much less likely to develop aesthetic imperfections such as ripples, wrinkles, or bisection.
What About Breast Implant Rupture?
Breast implant rupture is a rare, but not impossible occurrence. According to the National Institutes of Health, saline breast implants rupture at a higher rate, but are easier to detect. When a saline implant ruptures, it deflates quickly, allowing the issue to be known immediately. The solution is safely absorbed by the body.
A ruptured silicone breast implant may not be as easy to detect at first. Form stable implants may never leak solution, but older models can slowly deflate, allowing the silicone to leak into the body. This may produce discomfort and change the appearance of your implants, but there is no established link between silicone breast implant rupture and serious medical issues.
If you have silicone breast implants, it may be a good idea to have an MRI or ultrasound every ten years to make sure there are no ruptures.
BIOCELL® Textured Breast Implants
In July of 2019, Allergan issued a voluntary recall of its BIOCELL® textured breast implants due to an increased risk of BIA-ALCL, a rare but deadly form of cancer. Evidence suggests that the issue lies with specific models of textured implants, not textured implants in general, with the BIOCELL® implant being linked to higher risks of BIA-ALCL.
All of the breast implants available through our office are FDA-approved and have been carefully selected for their quality and durability. If you have textured breast implants that you would like to have removed and replaced, Dr. Ravi would be happy to discuss your breast implant revision options. If you have BIOCELL® textured implants, Allergan may partially pay for the cost of replacement. This can be discussed in greater detail during your initial consultation.
Why Choose Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics for Your Breast Augmentation?
Dr. Ravi is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons and holds himself to the highest standards of patient care. He uses advanced breast augmentation techniques, including the Keller Funnel® implant insertion option for silicone breast implants and Exparel® injections to decrease postoperative discomfort and speed the healing process.
Attentive, caring, and experienced, Dr. Ravi takes time to understand the individual needs of each patient and caters each treatment to produce the most ideal results.
To schedule your consultation with Dr. Ravi, please call 281-242-1061 today. Located in Houston, we welcome breast augmentation patients from The Woodlands, Katy, Sugar Land, and all surrounding areas.
