Breast Augmentation: What about silicone?
Silicone implants are filled with an elastic gel. The gel is designed to move and feel much like normal breast tissue.
The positive aspects of gel implants include:
1. More naturally feeling breast. There are fewer palpable wrinkles in the implant and the implant is “hidden” better within the breast mound.
2. For some patients, there is less visible wrinkling in those women who have little breast tissue or fat.
3. When the implant ruptures, there is no immediate deflation allowing the patient to select a convenient time to have it replaced.
Disadvantages of gel implants:
1. Longer scar. It takes a 2-inch incision to place a gel implant without causing undue stress on the implant during placement.
2. More costs associated with assessing implant condition. MRI screening may be necessary to determine the condition of the implant. The cost of this may well not be covered by your health insurance.
3. Replacing a ruptured implant will require a general anesthetic. There is little, if any, pain after replacing the implant but the process of clearing the gel out of the pocket cannot be done under a local anesthetic. This means more expense in paying for an anesthesiologist and loss of that workday due to the effects of medications given.
4. Some women may experience a “hardening” of their breast following the implant rupture. This will require releasing the scar tissue inside at the time the implant is replaced.