Are Silicone Implants Dangerous?
In 1992, the FDA removed silicone breast implants from the market to conduct further study. Obviously, this caused some concern and continues to make some patients wary of silicone breast implants today.
After fourteen years of study, the FDA re-approved silicone breast implants in 2006. Since then, the newest generation of breast implants has the best safety record thus far. The FDA found that silicone breast implants are perfectly safe and pose no larger risk than any other medical implant. This continued study makes silicone breast implants the most studied medical device in the world.
Can Breast Implants Improve Breast Sagging?
The answer to this question largely depends on the severity of the sagging. Breast ptosis comes in different grades of severity. Breast implants may correct pseudoptosis or Grade I breast ptosis in some cases. Anything above Grade I will likely require a breast lift for the best results.
Whether or not breast implants can provide an adequate lift to your breasts is largely based on your breast structure. Dr. Jonov can determine whether certain types of implants, dual plane placement, or breast lift surgery is the best for you.
How Hard Is It To Rupture A Silicone Implant?
New breast implants are extremely hard to rupture. Normally, when breast implants rupture within a few years of placement it is usually due to extreme force such as a car accident. Breast implants do become more likely to rupture as they age. Even when taking this into account, rupture is still relatively uncommon. The newest silicone implants are more likely to hold their shape and less likely to rupture. Rupture is unlikely to occur and it is difficult to rupture an implant during exercise or daily activities.
When Can You Get Silicone Breast Implants?
Silicone breast implants are approved for patients age 22 and above. This means that patients under 22 cannot receive silicone implants without voiding manufacturer warranties and using the implants off label. Although, it is perfectly legal. There are some exceptions such as in the case of certain reconstruction procedures, or deformities like chest wall abnormalities or severe breast asymmetry.
What Surgical Techniques Are Used?
Patients have the choice of three different surgical techniques to place silicone breast implants: inframammary fold, periareolar, and transaxillary. The other breast augmentation method, transumbilical breast augmentation, is not currently possible with silicone breast implants. Each method has its own set of advantages. Based on your goals and anatomy, one method may provide you better results than others.
The inframammary fold method uses an incision in the crease where the breast meets the chest. Most good candidates from breast augmentation would benefit from this placement. This remains the most preferred and used technique for breast augmentation in the United States.
The periareolar incision places the incision at the bottom of the areola. This incision is not right for everyone and people with small nipples typically will not be good candidates for this technique.
The transaxillary incision uses an incision in the armpit to position breast implants. Many surgeons will say that it is impossible to place silicone implants through an armpit incision. This is incorrect and many surgeons are still not familiar with the technique. Keeping the scar away from the breasts and the easier recovery this technique can provide makes it a frequently sought choice.
Do Silicone Breast Implants Feel Natural?
Yes! In fact, many patients note that silicone breast implants feel totally natural. The silicone gel provides a similar feel to real breast tissue. Silicone breast implants also rarely ripple which provides a more natural look.
