Silicone Gel Implant Information – Houston Breast Plastic Surgeon

The FDA recently approved a new generation of silicone gel breast implants, giving women more choices than ever before in breast implant plastic surgery. There are a number of differences between saline and silicone breast implants, which Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Adam will explain thoroughly to you during your consultation. A brief summary of the pros and cons of both types of breast implants follows:

Silicone Gel Breast Implants

Advantages

• Silicone gel implants feel more like natural breast tissue
• Silicone implants are less likely to cause the skin around the breast to ripple
• Silicone gel implants are available in a variety of sizes, profiles, and textures
• Lifetime replacement guarantee from the manufacturer

Disadvantages

• Silicone breast implants come pre-filled, meaning that the exact volume must be determined before surgery
• Because silicone breast implants are pre-filled, the incision will be slightly longer to allow for insertion of the implant
• If a silicone breast implant ruptures (which is less likely with contemporary silicone implants because of the multi-layered shell), silicone is not absorbed by the body
• Silicone gel implants are not available for women under the age of 22