Debunking the Myths: The Truth About Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants are medical devices used to increase the size, shape, and fullness of a woman’s breasts. They are filled with silicone gel or saline solution and may be placed above or below the chest muscle. The implants themselves are made from a silicone shell that is filled with either a cohesive gel or saline solution.

History

Silicone breast implants have been around since the 1960s and were initially developed to help women who had undergone mastectomies due to breast cancer. Over time, they became popular among women who wanted to enhance their appearance through cosmetic surgery. In the 1990s, there was some concern about the safety of silicone implants due to reports of health problems in some patients. This led to a moratorium on their use in 1992, which was lifted in 2006 after further research showed that they posed no greater risk than other types of implants.

Types

There are two main types of silicone breast implants: round and teardrop-shaped. Round implants provide more volume and projection while teardrop-shaped implants provide a more natural look. There are also different sizes available, ranging from small to extra large. Additionally, there are different levels of firmness available depending on the patient’s desired outcome.

Benefits of Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants, also known as gel implants, are medical devices used for cosmetic and reconstructive purposes. They are made from silicone shells filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Silicone breast implants have been around since the 1960s and have seen many improvements over the years in terms of safety, durability, and comfort.

Comfort

Silicone breast implants are more comfortable than saline implants because they better mimic the feel of natural breast tissue. This is especially important for women who want to avoid the feeling of having foreign objects in their bodies. The cohesive silicone gel also helps reduce the chance of rippling or wrinkling that can be caused by saline implants.

Natural Feel and Look

Silicone breast implants provide a much more natural look and feel than saline implants. The cohesive silicone gel is less likely to leak out if an implant ruptures, so it maintains its shape better than saline. This gives them a much more realistic appearance and feel than saline implants, which can often appear overly round or firm.

Durability

Silicone breast implants are more durable than saline implants because they are made from thicker shells and filled with a more viscous gel. This makes them less likely to rupture or leak over time, which is an important consideration when considering long-term effects on health and safety.

Safety

The safety of silicone breast implants has improved significantly over the years due to advances in technology and manufacturing processes. Today’s silicone breast implants are made with thicker shells that are less likely to rupture or leak, as well as stronger adhesives that help keep them in place longer. Additionally, most manufacturers now use a form of cohesive silicone gel that is designed to stay intact even if an implant does rupture, reducing the risk of leakage into surrounding tissue or organs.

Myths About silicone breast implants

Silicone is Toxic to the Body

One of the most common myths about silicone breast implants is that they are toxic to the body. This myth has been around since the late 1980s when it was first suggested that silicone implants may be linked to autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. However, numerous studies have since shown that there is no link between silicone implants and autoimmune diseases. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of both saline and silicone breast implants for cosmetic purposes, indicating that they are safe for use in humans.

Silicone is More Likely to Break Down than Saline Implants

Another myth about silicone breast implants is that they are more likely to break down than saline ones. This myth is false as both types of implants can rupture or leak over time due to normal wear and tear or trauma to the area where they are implanted. The only difference between them is that if a saline implant ruptures, the body will absorb the saline solution without any adverse effects, while a silicone implant will require removal and replacement if it ruptures or leaks.

Silicone Leaks into Surrounding Tissue and Causes Damage

This myth suggests that if a silicone implant ruptures, it will leak into surrounding tissue and cause damage such as scarring or inflammation. However, this is not true as silicone does not spread easily through tissue and any damage caused by a ruptured implant would be localized to the area where it was implanted. If an implant does rupture, it should be removed immediately in order to prevent any further damage from occurring.

Saline Implants are Safer than Silicone Implants

This myth implies that saline implants are safer than their silicone counterparts because they do not contain any potentially harmful substances like silicone does. In reality, both types of implants carry risks associated with them including infection, pain, swelling, discomfort, and changes in sensation in the breast area after surgery. Additionally, neither type of implant has been proven to be definitively “safer” than the other; rather, each patient must weigh their individual risks before deciding which type of implant is best for them.

All Types of Silicone are the Same

The final myth about silicone breast implants is that all types of silicone are identical in terms of composition and safety profile; however this is untrue as different manufacturers may use different formulas when creating their products which can lead to variations in safety profiles between brands. Additionally, some manufacturers may include additional ingredients such as stabilizers or fillers which could affect how an individual reacts to an implant once it has been inserted into their body. As such, patients should always discuss these differences with their doctor before making a decision on which type of implant they would like to receive during surgery.

No link between silicone implants and autoimmune diseases; both saline and silicone implants are safe; both saline and silicone implants can rupture; neither implant is definitively “safer”; different types of silicone may vary in safety profile.

Conclusion

Silicone breast implants have come a long way since their introduction in the 1960s, and are now considered to be a safe and reliable option for breast augmentation. Although there are some myths regarding silicone implants, research has shown that they are just as safe as saline implants, and can provide a more natural feel and look than other options.

Despite the many benefits of silicone breast implants, it is important to remember that all surgeries carry certain risks. It is recommended that those considering any type of breast augmentation speak with their doctor to discuss all available options and possible risks before making a decision.

Overall Benefits

In summary, silicone breast implants offer several benefits when compared to other types of breast augmentation procedures. They provide a more natural look and feel than saline implants, are durable and long-lasting, and are considered to be just as safe as other implant types. As such, they are an excellent option for those looking to enhance their appearance through cosmetic surgery.

Silicone implants provide natural look & feel, are safe & long-lasting, excellent option for breast augmentation.