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Breast implants: Saline vs. silicone
Is the safety of breast implants actively monitored?
Both saline and silicone breast implants are considered safe for breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. Long-term follow-up studies — in which researchers will look for evidence of continued safety and effectiveness of saline and silicone breast implants — are ongoing.
Are other types of breast implants being developed?
Another type of silicone breast implant called a "gummy bear" implant is in development. The gummy bear implant is made of a more cohesive silicone gel, which may help the implant better keep its shape over time. Today, gummy bear implants are available only to women enrolled in clinical studies to test the product's safety and effectiveness.
What factors should be considered before getting breast implants?
If you're thinking about breast augmentation or reconstruction, it's important to understand what it means to have breast implants. In addition to changing your appearance, remember that:
- Breast implants aren't guaranteed to last a lifetime. You'll likely need additional surgery at some point to correct leakage or cosmetic issues. If you decide to have your implants removed, you may need a breast lift or other corrective surgery to help your breasts return to their pre-implant appearance.
- Breast implants may interfere with breast cancer screening. Although it may be easier to see or feel breast lumps if you have breast implants, the implants may complicate routine mammography to screen for breast cancer. You may need additional images offering special views of your breasts, and the images may be harder to interpret because cancers can be obscured by the implants.
- You may need routine MRI scans. If you have silicone breast implants, you may need routine MRI scans to ensure that the implants aren't leaking.
- Breast implants may hamper breast-feeding. You may produce only limited breast milk, or you may not produce any milk at all.
- Insurance may not cover breast implants. You may need to pay out-of-pocket for any fees associated with elective breast implants, including follow-up screening and corrective surgery.
What's the bottom line?
Based on your body type, your surgeon may recommend one type of implant over another for optimal cosmetic results. Either type of breast implant is safe, however. Ultimately, the choice between saline and silicone is up to you.
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- Breast implants questions and answers. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/BreastImplants/ucm063719.htm. Accessed Sept. 24, 2009.
- Important facts about breast augmentation risks and complications. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Cosmetic_Procedures/Breast_Augmentation.html. Accessed Sept. 24, 2009.
- Breast augmentation costs. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Cosmetic_Procedures/Breast_Augmentation.html. Accessed Sept. 24, 2009.
- McCarthy CM, et al. Silicone breast implants and magnetic resonance imaging screening for rupture: Do U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommendations reflect an evidence-based practice approach to patient care? Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2008;121:1127.
- McLaughlin JK, et al. The safety of silicone gel-filled implants. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2007;59:569.
- Reece EM, et al. Primary breast augmentation today: A survey of current breast augmentation practice patterns. Aesthetic Surgery Quarterly. 2009;29:116.
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