Breast Implant Surgery

Breast implant surgery is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures, with silicone implants being more popular than saline ones. Both types are available, and both types of implants come in different styles. Silicone implants may have additional styles that are not present in saline implants. 

There is an outer shell made of silicone present in both types of implants. Saline implants have an inner shell filled with saline. Since saline is an intravenous solution, if the implant ruptures the saline will be absorbed by the body. Silicone implants are filled with silicone, which is made from silica. Presently, silicone implants can vary in cohesiveness. Regardless, the silicone implants of today are much thicker and more cohesive than those used years ago. 

Considering Saline for your Breast Implant Surgery

    Some women who are considering saline implants are concerned whether rippling will be seen or felt with the implant. Another concern is whether or not the implant will feel natural. Placement of the implant above or below the muscle should be discussed with your plastic surgeon as there are pros and cons to each method. This is something that should be discussed with your plastic surgeon, as there are pros and cons to each method. 

    Saline implants can be placed in four different ways: through the nipple, through the fold underneath the breasts, through the armpit, or through the belly button (called a Tuba). Silicone implants are not placed through the belly button because of possible risk of damage to the implant. These options should be discussed with your plastic surgeon so they can find the best fit for you. 

Breast implant illness is a common concern with breast implants. This term covers a variety of symptoms like joint pain, brain fog, and general arthralgias. There is currently no test or way to determine who will or will not have these symptoms. However, a possible estimate is approximately 10% or less of patients have these symptoms. In some of these patients, some or all of the symptoms disappeared with the removal of the breast implant and capsule. If a patient has a history of collagen vascular diseases (for example, Lupus) breast implant surgery should be avoided. 

Breast implants have not been associated with breast cancer. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a rare cancer associated with textured implants. 80% of the world’s cases (presently less than 600), were associated with Allergan textured implants. These implants are no longer on the market.