Silicone Breast Implants Overview

Every woman has a sense of how she would like to present herself to the world. Unfortunately, we were not all made perfect. The body does have its imperfections. Some we can’t do anything about, some we can. Medical research has found ways to enhance breasts with silicone implants.

Silicone Breast Implants 101

Silicone breast implants are made of an outer shell of solid silicone holding pre-determined amounts of silicone gel, a semi-solid flexible substance having the ability to look like and feel like the human breast. The surface of these implants may be smooth or textured. Many cosmetic surgeons prefer the textured type because it adheres better to the encapsulating tissues, although it may require a slightly larger incision during the insertion phase of the operation.

Safety

For the most part, once silicone implants are inserted, they’re maintenance free. Years ago, there were cases of the lumen rupturing, causing silicone to infuse with the breast tissue. Today with manufacturing advances, stronger polymer formulas, and the use of more inert materials there is little danger of problems.

The biggest problems seem to come before the operation. How big? What shape? Where exactly should they be put? Common sense should play a large part in these decisions. Don’t expect to go from a 32A bosom to a buxom 36DDD. It will just look unnatural and be a dead give-away that you had “work done.”

The shape of the implant is really determined by your body’s size and characteristics, along with any anomalies you want to correct. To some degree breast differences can be compensated for, say by putting a 250cc implant on one side and a 300cc on the other. Also aesthetic adjustments can be made to restore symmetry of the breasts in relation to each other.

Should the implants be placed beneath the breast tissue, on top of the pectoral muscle, or partially beneath it? There are pros and cons for each. This placement site and the three areas mentioned above, are what you and your surgeon should both talk over and decide together. It’s your body, but listen to your plastic surgeon. They are the only one with the ability to foresee what you will look like.