What Are Silicone Breast Implants?
Silicone breast implants are a type of implant used for breast augmentation and reconstruction procedures. The outer shell of the implant is made of a durable and flexible silicone elastomer. Inside this silicone shell is a cohesive silicone gel which varies in thickness. Form-stable implants, often referred to as gummy bear implants, feature a thicker and more cohesive gel. This gel holds its shape even if the implant's outer shell is broken.
Silicone Breast Implant History
Silicone breast implants have a complicated history and were discontinued for a time. When we refer to silicone implants today, understand that these aren’t your grandmother’s implants. Older implants were more likely to rupture and were accused of causing cancer and autoimmune disorders when they did. Despite a lack of supporting evidence for these claims, the FDA issued a moratorium on silicone breast implants in 1992 to conduct further research.
Extensive research and numerous studies were conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of silicone implants. In addition, manufacturers developed new, more cohesive gel formulations and improved the durability of the implant shells. In 2006, the FDA lifted the moratorium and approved the use of modern silicone implants. It did so with the stipulation that you must be at least 22 years old to receive these implants.
Silicone Implant Myths
Perhaps because of their complicated history, silicone implants are the subject of many myths and misconceptions. Many people incorrectly believe that silicone breast implants:
- Interfere with breastfeeding
- Make mammograms ineffective
- Feel artificial
- Always look fake
- Are only for younger women
- Come in limited sizes and shapes
- Must be replaced every 10 years
- Cause immediate or major problems if they rupture
- Cause cancer
These statements, although commonly repeated, are simply untrue.
Pros and Cons of Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone implants offer a lot to be happy about. Like everything in life, however, they do come with a few downsides as well. It’s important that you understand the entire picture when considering your implant options.
Pros
It’s easy to see the advantages of silicone implants. They offer:
- A natural look and feel
- A lower risk of rippling and wrinkling
- A wide variety of sizes and profiles
- Longevity and durability
- Cohesive shape retention even in the rare event of rupture
- A lighter weight than saline implants, making them more comfortable and more resistant to gravity
Cons
There are three potential downsides that you need to understand as well. The first potential issue is that silicone implants do require a slightly larger incision than their saline counterparts. Saline implants are filled in place, so they’re flatter when inserted. Although the incision through which a silicone implant gets inserted can still be hidden, it will be larger.
Silicone implants also cost more than their saline counterparts. Although prices can vary greatly, gummy bear implants typically cost about $1,000 more than saline implants. It’s easy to understand this difference when you consider that saline implants are essentially filled with saltwater, which costs much less to produce. If silicone is a better fit for you, try not to let cost steer you toward saline instead. We offer several financing options to help with the cost of your surgery and help you get what you want rather than settling for something else.
Finally, you should know that silicone implants have the potential for silent ruptures. Because the silicone gel inside these implants is thick, it stays inside the breast pocket even if the outer shell is compromised. This means that you may not be aware of the issue if an implant does rupture. The FDA recommends getting an MRI every two to three years to check silicone implants and make sure a silent rupture hasn't occurred.
Best Candidates for Silicone Breast Implants
Candidates for silicone breast implants must meet some basic criteria. Ideal candidates will be:
- At least 22 years of age
- In generally good health with any chronic conditions under control
- A nonsmoker
- At a BMI of less than 34
- Able to maintain a stable weight
- Willing to meet the MRI guidelines established by the FDA
- Willing and able to devote adequate time to recovery and a healthy lifestyle thereafter
Women with breast conditions may need to take precautions when choosing silicone implants. If you’ve had breast surgery in the past and require a revision, your surgeon may need to use special techniques to work around any scarring. Those with benign conditions like fibrocystic breast changes, fibroadenomas, or cysts may require extra monitoring but are usually still candidates for silicone breast implants.
A history of capsular contracture does not necessarily bar you from receiving silicone implants. Your surgeon may, however, recommend some strategies to reduce the risk of a recurrence. Women with a history of breast cancer or those at high risk should have a thorough discussion with their surgical and oncology teams to ensure the timing and type of implant placement align with their treatment plan.
Women with autoimmune conditions should undergo a thorough health evaluation. While no definitive link has been established between implants and autoimmune diseases, it’s important to discuss potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
Sizing & Projection Options for Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants come in a variety of sizes and projections, allowing for a high degree of customization to meet individual aesthetic goals and body types. The first thing patients usually ask about is size. Silicone implants are measured in volume using cubic centimeters (cc), with sizes typically ranging from about 100 ccs to 800 ccs or more. The size chosen depends on the desired increase in breast size, the patient's body frame, and the amount of existing natural breast tissue.
Larger implants provide more dramatic results but come with increased weight, potentially impacting the chest and shoulder muscles. Smaller implants may be preferred for a more natural look or for those with a petite frame.
Those desiring implants must also choose from several projection options. Projection refers to how far the implant projects forward from the chest wall. There are several projection choices, each providing different aesthetic outcomes:
- Low Profile – Low profile implants have a wider base and provide minimal projection. They are ideal for women with wider chests or those seeking a more subtle enhancement.
- Moderate Profile – These implants offer a balance between base width and projection. This option works for most women, providing a natural look with adequate fullness.
- High Profile – High profile implants have a narrower base and provide more projection. This style is best for women with narrower chests or those desiring more pronounced breast projection.
- Ultra-High Profile – Ultra-high profile implants have the narrowest base and the most projection. Choose this option if you want a very prominent and dramatic look and a significant breast augmentation.
Plastic surgery clinics use try-on sizers or 3D imaging at your consultation to help you choose your desired implant size and shape. These tools help patients to better visualize the consequences of their choices before surgery.
Longevity and Maintenance
Silicone breast implants are designed to be durable and long-lasting, but they are not considered lifetime devices. You may have to replace your implants in the future. The average lifespan of silicone breast implants is between 10 and 20 years, but some last longer without any issues.
Regardless of their age, you don't need to change your implant if you're not having any issues. It’s important to know the signs of potential problems, however. These include:
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Pain or discomfort
- Swelling
- Redness or bruising
- Changes in sensation (numbness or increased sensitivity)
- Hardening of the breast
- Unusual lumps or masses
If you experience any of these conditions, it’s important to discuss them with your surgeon and have your implants checked. It’s equally important to have regular checkups and MRIs so that a silent rupture without symptoms doesn't go undetected. If you do have an issue, you and your surgeon can decide if you need to have your implants removed or replaced.
The Surgical Process
If you opt for silicone breast implants, you will have a consultation with your surgeon or a surgical coordinator before you ever set foot in an operating room. During this consultation, you will form a surgical plan and have a chance to ask questions. This is when you will confirm that silicone implants are the best choice for you.
During your procedure your surgeon will use one of three incisions to insert your implants:
- Inframammary – This incision is made in the fold underneath the breast (inframammary fold). The scar is well-hidden in the natural crease of the breast.
- Periareolar – This incision is made around the outer edge of the areola. The scar blends with the natural color transition of the areola, making it less noticeable.
- Transaxillary – This incision is made in the natural crease of the armpit. It leaves no visible scars on the breast itself.
The type of incision you can expect is one of the topics you will discuss at your consultation. You will also discuss whether your implants will be placed over or under your pectoral muscles. If you wish to breastfeed in the future, your surgeon will likely opt to place your implants under the muscle and avoid a periareolar incision.
You can generally expect surgery to last one to two hours.
Postoperative Care and Recovery
Proper postoperative care and recovery are crucial for ensuring the best outcome and minimizing complications after silicone implant surgery. You’ll need to keep your incisions clean and dry, and you must empty and clean your surgical drains if you have them.
You’ll be given prescription pain medication that will keep your discomfort to a minimum if taken as directed. You should feel well enough to return to work in about two weeks. You will be restricted to only very light activities for about four weeks, and rigorous exercise will need to wait six to eight weeks.
It’s imperative that you keep all your follow-up appointments after surgery so we can monitor your recovery and ensure all goes well. We would much rather spot a potential problem early and avoid it than have you experience a complication.
Risks and Complications
Like every surgery, silicone breast implant placement can come with risks. These include:
- Complications from general anesthesia
- Hematomas
- Seromas
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Blood clots
At Mia Aesthetics, our surgeons do everything they can to minimize risks. We will request lab work and surgical clearances to make sure you’re healthy enough for surgery before your procedure. We also take a detailed medical history so we know more about you.
During your surgery we employ current medical standards and best practices to ensure a safe and up-to-date procedure. We combine our expertise with highly trained and skilled surgical care teams and use state-of-the-art medical equipment at our facilities to keep surgery as safe and minimally invasive as possible. And our detailed post-op instructions are designed to help you care for yourself in a way that minimizes complications.
Cost Considerations
The price you pay for your implants is determined by several factors, including the location and surgeon you choose. Other costs can also vary, such as anesthesia costs and facility fees. Your surgery will also cost more if you have special anatomical needs. The need to remove scarring from a previous capsular contracture, for example, may add to your costs.
Remember that we work with several different financing companies, all of which can help you break the cost of your implants down into affordable monthly payments. Each company has different plans and acceptance criteria so that you can choose the best one for you.
When considering the cost of silicone breast implants, remember to factor in maintenance. You will need to get an MRI every two to three years, and your health insurance may or may not cover the exam. Although your implants could last for decades, you should be prepared to replace them as soon as 10 years after surgery if doing so becomes necessary.
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