All about implants
What are breast implants?
Breast implants are long-lasting medical devices that are designed to increase breast size, either for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons. Breast implants, particularly silicone implants, are the most researched medical device in existence.
Implants are constructed using a shell (always silicone), and a filling material (either silicone or saline). Depending on the filling material, implants will differ in appearance, feel, and longevity. Silicone implants may also differ in cohesiveness (how viscous or "gummy" the internal silicone gel).
Silicone implants are used far more frequently than saline implants in the United States, and worldwide.
What implants are used by Dr. McDaniel?
Dr. McDaniel is proud to use Motiva, Sientra and Allergan silicone and saline implants. These implants are of the highest quality. In particular, Motiva implants, used extensively overseas for more than a decade and recently approved by the FDA for use in the United States, represent the latest in silicone implant technology. Used in our practice for almost a year, these devices have had a high patient satisfaction.
What is the difference between silicone & saline implants?
Silicone and saline implants are both safe methods to increase breast size. Since both types of implants have advantages, and since there has been some controversy surrounding these implants, here is a brief discussion about their differences.
Silicone implants have been around since 1963, longer than saline implants. These devices have undergone several improvements over the years. Both silicone and saline implants have a silicone "shell" to contain the filling material. In saline implants, the implant is filled with sterile saline, similar to the fluid given in hospital IVs. With silicone implants, the inner material is a silicone gel polymer.
Silicone implants were removed from the market for cosmetic use by the FDA because of "insufficient data to support approval" from 1992-2007. In response, many well-designed research studies were performed to assess implant safety. These studies unanimously showed no increase in any disease sin patients with implants compared with women without implants. Silicone implants are again available for cosmetic use. A recent 10 year follow-up study with 50,000 patients was consistent in demonstrating silicone implant safety.
The choice of which type of implant to use is based on patient preference. Silicone gel implants are preferred by most patients because of a more natural feel, longer lifespan (25 - 35 years for silicone, versus 10 - 15 years for saline), and less artificial appearance compared to saline implants.
Specialized types of silicone implants are available, which may be the best choice for certain patients. Dr. McDaniel will discuss additional information specific to relevant implant subtypes and FDA recommendations for implant monitoring and replacement at your individualized consultation.