Breast implants are essentially a type of medical device surgically implanted underneath the tissue of the breasts in order to enhance the size of the breasts or restore the breast back to its original size after pregnancy, weight loss or mastectomy. It is basically a kind of breast augmentation procedure.
Breast implants are usually available in the United States under two categories-silicone and saline breast implants. While the internal matter for both types of implants is different, their outer shell is made up of substance, i.e. silicone. The size, thickness of the shell and the shape of the implants varies.
Choosing the type of Breast Implant
While saline breast implants consist of sterile salt water, silicone implants have silicone gel filled in them. When saline implants are inserted, they are empty. They are only filled up once they have been placed under the breast tissue. These implants can be utilized by women who are 18 years of age and above for the purpose of a breast lift or breast augmentation. Women of different ages can also go for saline implants for breast reconstruction.
The common verdict among women is that silicone breast implants appear and give the feel of natural breasts. Women of the age of 22 years and older can opt for silicone breast implants for breast augmentation. Again women of different ages can also use them for breast reconstruction.
Safety points in Silicone Breast Implant
With both kinds of breast implants, there is a risk of ruptures. These could be caused as a result of error in surgery, a slip or fall or in very rare cases, with pressure or force put on the breasts at the time of a mammogram. The impact of ruptures in case of silicone implanted breasts is different from saline-based breast implants.
The ruptures in silicone implants are not easily noticed. If there is a breakage of the implant, the liquid silicone remains in the body itself. At times, it can travel out and spread into the lymph nodes outside the breasts. However, research has not yet revealed any risk of disease related to such a rupture taking place.
As mentioned before, this leakage of silicone gel is not associated with any systemic disease or health issue such as breast cancer, rheumatoid arthritis or reproductive issues.
Nonetheless keeping in mind the non-existent risk, in a situation where there is a rupture of the silicone implant, your surgeon will most likely guide you to remove it along with any loose silicone.
Dr. Farbod Esmailian is a highly experienced plastic surgeon based out of Los Alamitos who has been practicing various kinds of breast augmentation and reduction surgeries for a number of years. He offers his professional services in areas such as Orange County, Newport Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles and Long Beach.
His USP lies in the fact that he is able to develop customized plans for treating his patients. These treatments are tailor made to suit their specific requirements. Therefore each individual’s personal objectives are met under the guidance of Dr. Farbod Esmailian
For more information on procedures and treatments Plastic Surgeon, Dr Farbod Esmailian performs in and around Orange County, Newport Beach, Torrance, Los Alamitos, Long Beach, CA please visit: