Silicone vs. Saline Breast Implants

    /24-7PressRelease/ - SAN FRANCISCO, CA, October 03, 2007 - For the woman who is unhappy with the shape or size of her breasts, breast augmentation may be the answer. Breast augmentation surgery begins with a small, strategically placed incision, and the implant is then placed above or below the muscle, depending on the size and contour desired. Women who have chosen breast augmentation are usually very pleased with their fuller breasts and the more attractive contours they are able to achieve with breast implants.

However, one question that remains confusing for those considering breast augmentation is whether to choose silicone gel or saline filled implants. Both types of implants have a silicone shell. In fact, many plastic surgeons prefer silicone implants, believing they are more natural looking, feel softer and are more similar to a woman's natural breast tissue.

Although the use of silicone gel implants has been reported to increase the risk for connective tissue disease and cancer, no link between silicone gel implants and any disease has been established. In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a newer type of silicone gel implant. The FDA's web site (http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/breastimplants/qa2006.html#2) offers the following information:
"In November 2006, Allergan and Mentor received approval for their silicone gel-filled breast implants. These implants were approved for breast augmentation in women 22 years or older and for breast reconstruction in women of any age.
All breast implants other than these four approved devices are considered investigational devices, including the more-cohesive ("gummy bear") implants. For a woman to receive an investigational breast implant in the U.S., she must enroll in a clinical study."
One disadvantage of silicone gel implants is hard-to-detect ruptures. While ruptured saline implants flatten as the saline leaks out and is absorbed by the body, silicone implants do not flatten. Previously, the gel tended to leak through a rupture. But in the newer type of silicone implant, the gel stays inside if there's any rupture.

Saline filled implants have an outer shell of silicone filled with saline (salt water). A new type of saline implant called a "high profile" saline implant has recently become available, designed for better breast projection and volume.

Women have the opportunity to discuss all these options with their plastic surgeon during the initial consultation. Your plastic surgeon offers information about the implant that best suits your needs and allows you to ask as many questions as necessary to feel completely comfortable with the surgeon and the procedure.

At Accent on Aesthetics, Mountain View, CA, board certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Howard Rosenberg's goal is to provide the most ideal, natural fit using the implants best suited to your needs. Dr. Rosenberg works with patients to determine the correct size and shape implant for each patient's individual body type. His individualized approach to cosmetic surgery, including his ability to achieve natural results and his high patient satisfaction rating, has helped him to become one of the most respected plastic surgeons in the San Francisco Bay Area, including Palo Alto and San Jose.

For more information on breast augmentation, [url= http://www.accentonaesthetics.com/contact.htm]contact Dr. Rosenberg[/url] at (650) 961-2652.

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