Everyone has a unique size, shape and history, which means there are many different reasons people decide to undergo breast augmentation surgery. Common reasons are to reconstruct breasts after a mastectomy, to rejuvenate the breasts after changes due to age, weight loss or childbirth, or simply to improve the breasts’ appearance and increase self-confidence. Whatever the case, it’s helpful to research the procedure so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
Breast augmentation is commonly done with silicone breast implants, which consist of an outer shell and a gel-filled interior both made of silicone. What follows is a complete guide to silicone breast implants, including information about their history, their pros and cons, their warranties and recovery from the operation.
Brief History of Silicone Implants
Silicone breast implants have a long history in plastic surgery. The first silicone breast implant was invented in 1961 by plastic surgeons Thomas Cronin and Frank Gerow, and the first breast augmentation procedure was done a year later in 1962.
Since then, silicone breast implants have undergone a series of significant improvements. The outer shell was formulated to be soft but sturdy so that the implant would stay in place once inserted and be resistant to ruptures. The gel-filled interior was made thicker so as to resist leakage and feel more natural.
As silicone breast implants developed, a greater variety of implants became available. In the early days of the procedure, there were four or five sizes available. Now there are dozens of sizes and shapes which allow people to have implants specifically suited to their bodies.
These innovations, along with others, made silicone breast implants more personalized, more resistant to complications and thus more popular.
Pros & Cons of Silicone
Pros
One of the most important advantages of silicone breast implants is that they look and feel natural. Silicone breast implants are generally less prone to rippling and wrinkling than the most common alternative, saline. In fact, silicone breast implants are often indistinguishable in both appearance and texture from breasts without implants.
Cons
There are some disadvantages to silicone breast implants that merit consideration. For example, because silicone breast implants are filled before the surgery, (as opposed to during the surgery), they require a larger opening in the breast. This means that silicone breast implants generally result in a slightly longer scar than saline breast implants. Silicone breast implants also carry a slightly higher risk of capsular contracture than saline breast implants.
Talking with your surgeon is the best way to weigh the benefits and risks of silicone breast implants as you make your decision.
Rupture Information
Rupture is a risk associated with all breast implants, but it’s important to know that it is not dangerous. The silicone gel is solid and will not get absorbed into the rest of your body. If silicone leaks from your implant into surrounding tissue, it will not cause any damage to the breast, although it can sometimes increase the scar around the implant. In fact, many leaking implants don’t require any treatment at all. Treatment is generally recommended only if the breast appears noticeably different.
While all breast implants come with a risk of rupture, it can vary depending on the implant manufacturer. Mentor, for example, is the oldest, largest and most popular implant manufacturer. Their silicone breast implants consist of a gel that is formulated to be cohesive, which means that it is more likely to stay together and not leak in the event of a rupture.
Warranty Information
Most implant manufacturers have warranties for their products, which offer protection in the event of complications. In many cases of rupture and leakage, Mentor will replace the implant and even pay for part of the replacement procedure. Talk with your surgeon to learn more about the specific warranty protections for your case.
Recovery Information
Recovery from silicone breast implants isn’t significantly different than recovery from saline breast implants.
Immediately after the operation, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will rest for about an hour. Once you are stable and comfortable, you will be allowed to go home. At this point, your breasts will be dressed in gauze and you will be wearing a bra and often a band that is intended to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal.
Once you have left the hospital, your recovery will vary according to the details of your condition and the instructions your surgeon gives you. However, in general, most of the pain subsides before one-week post-operation, while swelling can persist for a few weeks. Most patients are able to return to light exercise within three weeks after their operation, but strenuous exercise is delayed until about six weeks.
It’s very important to follow your surgeon’s advice throughout your recovery. Talk with him or her to better understand how you can make your recovery as fast and comfortable as possible.
Final Thoughts
Silicone breast implants are popular choices in breast augmentation surgery. They have several advantages that make them an excellent fit for patients of all sizes, shapes, and motivations. You can use the information in this guide to talk with your surgeon about silicone breast implants so that you can approach your treatment with confidence.
