Silicone Gel: Is It Safe For Breast Implants?
Breast implants are one of the most popular forms of plastic surgery. However, a lot of debate hangs over the use of silicone gel used to fill the breast implants. If you are considering breast augmentation or reconstruction, you need to know why there are concerns over silicone gel breast implants and what the benefits of silicone are.
First of all, breast implants are formed in two parts. The outer shell of breast implants is made out of a thin silicone covering. The inner filling of breast implants is the part that varies. Silicone gel and saline solution are the two most prominent types of breast implant fillings. The FDA is in charge of approving the use of breast implants once they are deemed safe.
Between 1992 and 2006, the FDA banned the use of silicone gel as a filling for breast implants because the health issues that could be caused by silicone was undetermined. Silicone gel is has now been approved for women over the age of 22 as a filling in breast implants. The age requirement is due to the fact that women younger than 22 may not be fully developed physically or emotionally. Learning about the benefits and risks involved with breast augmentation or reconstruction is a critical part of making the right decision regarding getting plastic surgery.
Silicone gel was controversial because of the risk of an implant rupturing. When a breast implant filled with silicone gel ruptures, the gel can slowly leak into the body. Saline solution is safely used as a filling for breast implants because saline is basically saltwater. If a breast implant filled with saline solution ruptures, the saline will leak into the body with no side effects. Silicone gel is often preferred because of the realistic appearance and texture that it provides. Advances in silicone gel technology have drastically reduced the risk of ruptures, as well. Additionally, capsular contracture is a higher risk for saline solution breast implants rather than silicone gel breast implants. Capsular contracture is a complication that arises when the scar tissue in the breast contracts and squeezes the breast implant. This can result in the breast implant become hard and abnormal in appearance. There are many options besides whether or not you should use silicone gel. Other breast implant factors to consider and talk to your plastic surgeon about include the shape, incision location, size and texture of the breast implants. As with all surgery, breast augmentation or reconstruction is a serious decision that should be handled with care. Much time and consideration needs to go into deciding whether breast implants are right for you. The best way to gather information about the benefits and risks or breast implants is to talk to a certified plastic surgeon. Ask which type of breast implants they recommend and if silicone gel presents any serious risk to you. If possible, talk to more than one plastic surgeon about silicone gel and the benefits and risks surrounding this controversial product.
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