The type of breast implant used is one of the most important decisions facing patients undergoing breast augmentation. Silicone and saline implants both offer significant advantages for breast augmentation and are both associated with high satisfaction rates. Both implants are considered to be extremely safe.
In the past, the safety of silicone breast implants had been the source of significant controversy. This controversy had its origin in 1990 when concerns arose over the potential for silicone breast implants to cause connective tissue diseases. In response to these concerns the FDA made silicone implants unavailable for breast augmentation surgery.
Since that time, silicone breast implants have undergone extensive testing and have been found to have minimal risks. They are considered to be extremely safe and for this reason the FDA lifted its moratorium on silicone implants in 2006. They are now once again available for breast augmentation surgery.
Both saline and silicone breast implants are considered to be extremely safe. For this reason, implant safety isn’t a major factor in the implant selection process. Never the less despite a large number of scientific studies that demonstrate the safety of silicone implants, many patients continue to have anxiety about their use. Under these circumstances saline implants offer an excellent alternative.
It’s important that the advantages and disadvantages of saline and silicone implants be thoroughly discussed with your plastic surgeon prior to breast augmentation surgery. Your surgeon should be able to help you choose the breast implant that meets your aesthetic goals and fits your life style.