There are two types of breast implants, saline and silicone gel. Which is the best choice, which is the most natural looking breast implants? The choice you make is one based on your personal desire and expectations and the doctors input on what is best for you. The following is a brief discussion of the two choices.
Saline implants:
A good number of breast augmentations use a saline implant which is a silicone rubber implants which is filled with harmless saline, Saline implants are available either round or in the shape of a tear; the most common combination is the round implant placed below the pectoral muscle. This combination allow the implant to be flattened on the upper poles by the muscle overlay, the effect is a very appealing shape. Tear shaped implants produce more cleavage as they can be placed closer to the mid line and they are less likely to result in unusual movement when the pectoral muscles are flexed. The choice of round or tear shaped will depend on what you consider to be the breast shape which is ideal for you.
The saline implant is made from an outer shell made from a very tough silicone material; the shell is filled with a harmless saline solution. Some saline implants can be enlarged after the initial surgery by simply injecting more saline. An expandable implant allows the tissue to gradually become accustomed to the new size and is often the choice of the surgeon in breast reconstruction.
Silicone gel implants:
Silicone gel breast implants were first developed and used in 1964; this type of implant quickly caught on and became the favorite for breast enlargement. In 1992 these implants were banned by the Food and Drug Administration based on reports of leakage that at that time was thought to cause diseases of the surrounding tissue. Many tests were run and no definitive proof ever was found that confirmed these fears.
Since the scare, a cohesive silicone gel implant has been developed. The difference is that the cohesive implant has a multi-layer shell which retains its shape in the event of rupture. These implants have been in use in Europe and Canada for some time and were approved for use in the US by the FDA in March 2012.
Gel implants are more natural looking breast implants and have a consistency which is more akin to the natural breast.
Sientra® natural looking breast implants have been proven safe and strong, with a three year rupture rate not exceeding 2.5%, you are invited to consult with Michael A. Fiorillo MD.
