There is a common misconception that saline breast implants are safer than silicone implants. However, both saline and silicone implants can cause a rare form of cancer called breast-implant associated large cell lymphoma BIA-ALCL. On top of this risk, both types of implants can cause serious health problems if they rupture or leak.
There are two main types of breast implants—silicone and saline. Both implant types are used to add fullness and shape to the natural breast or to reconstruct breasts following a mastectomy.
Silicone implants are silicone pockets that are filled with a silicone gel. The gel is a thick fluid that feels similar to human fat, which is why silicone breast implants feel and look like natural breast tissue. Silicone pockets are also used for saline implants, except these pockets are filled with a salt water solution.
Some saline implants are structured to feel more natural. Breast implants can also be smooth or textured. Textured implants are rough like sandpaper, so they stick to breast tissue and stay in place. Smooth implants, on the other hand, can move around freely like natural breast tissue. During the surgical procedure, implants are inserted under the existing breast tissue. The surgeon cuts the skin under the breasts or arms and places the implants either on top of or underneath the chest muscles.
A woman who is interested in breast augmentation or breast reconstruction now has a choice between implants that are filled either with saline solution or silicone gel. But what are the differences between them, and which one is better? First, the shell of both saline and silicone breast implants is made out of silicone. This is not the same material as silicon, which is a natural element that has some of the characteristics of a metal and so is called a metalloid.
Silicone is man-made. The silicone polymer is made of molecules of silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. It can be liquid, gel-like, or rubbery. Because it can tolerate high heat, silicone is used in kitchenware such as tongs and electrical and thermal insulation. It has a low toxicity and does not react readily with other chemicals, which makes it good for use in plastic surgery and other branches of medicine. Manufacturers make an implant by dipping a shell or form into a vat of liquid silicone.
This is done more than once to develop strong layers. The shell is then cured, stripped from the form, and tested to make sure it is leak-proof. Then, the shell is vulcanized to close it, and a channel in the shell is created to allow the silicone gel to be injected. The channel is then closed, and the implant is cured again. After a final inspection, the implant is ready to be boxed up and sent to the medical facility.
Saline implants are made in much the same way, but the manufacturer can leave the shell empty or pre-fill it. Breast implant shells can be smooth or textured.
Because they are filled with liquid or semi-liquid, they are measured in cubic centimeters, or ccs. Generally, they range from 80 to ccs, with a one to one and a half increase in cup size represented by to ccs. Some people may be nervous of silicone implants because they were withdrawn for being unsafe several years ago.
But a new type of silicone implant, introduced in , is now on the market and deemed to be safe. Silicone implants are useful for women who want breast augmentation but do not have a lot of breast tissue. Silicone implants tend to make the resulting breasts look more natural. They also give the breasts a more natural feel.
The patient might not even know that her implant has ruptured unless she has pain or notices her breast looks different. Indeed, the only way to really find a rupture of a silicone breast implant is through imaging technology such as an MRI.
Saline implants are filled with sterilized salt water. One advantage that they have over silicone implants is that they can be placed while they are empty and filled later. This lets the surgeon control the volume of saline solution until the breasts are symmetrical and the right size. Even if the opening is under the arm, around the nipple, or along the curve under the breast, the scarring left behind tends to be minimal. Both saline and silicone implants can rupture or cause complications.
Implants are also not always permanent , and many people need to get them replaced or removed. You also have to consider the cost of follow-up MRIs, which are recommended every few years to make sure silicone is not leaking into the body.
Neither saline nor silicone are guaranteed permanent options. Up to 20 percent of people have their breast implants removed or replaced within 8 to 10 years, either because of ruptures or for aesthetic reasons. You can use this tool from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a reputable doctor near you.
Saline and silicone implants are generally considered safe, though both have the potential to rupture which requires additional surgery to correct or remove. Many find that silicone looks and feels more like a natural breast, however saline may result in a smaller scar since the implant casing is inserted empty, and then filled.
Always look for a reputable, board certified plastic surgeon who can help you decide whether saline or silicone implants are right for you. The average implants can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years…. Is silicone toxic? For the most part silicone is safe, but ingesting or injecting liquid silicone is not. Leaking silicone breast implants can cause….
Nonsurgical breast lifts are considered noninvasive, which means that no cuts or incisions are involved. Breast augmentation recovery usually takes several weeks. It might be longer if you develop complications, like an infection or implant leak. The Food and Drug Administration FDA issued a new warning for breast implants that requires healthcare providers to thoroughly communicate the risks….
Breast lift with implants is the lifting, rounding, and enlargement of the breasts. We explain what to expect, recovery, how to find a doctor, and…. Liposuction is a major surgery, so you will need to rest and take it easy as you recover. Breast implant removal surgery involves taking out or replacing your existing implants.
0コメント