Breast implants

• in the UK, there are currently two types of synthetic implant available
  • silicone gel and saline
    • both types of synthetic implant are surrounded by a firm elastic shell, which helps to prevent the implant from rupturing
      • surface of this shell may either be smooth, or textured
      • silicone gel implants
        • silicone gel implants are filled with a silicone substance which can either be a solid, jelly-like gel, or a more fluid-like gel
        • are pre-filled before being inserted into your breasts
        • advantages
          • long history of safe use
          • less likely to wrinkle than other implants
          • silicone gel is the softest implant filler available, which means that it gives you a very natural feel
        • disadvantages
          • some types of silicone gel implant can occasionally cause a larger and more obvious scar than other implants
          • shell of some silicone gel implants is coated with a special type of foam (polyurethane) which breaks down over time
            • this foam helps reduce the risk of you developing capsular contracture, one of the most common complications of breast implants
              • polyurethane coated implants were withdrawn from the UK in 1991 following fears that the polyurethane could increase the risk of cancer.
                • more recent studies and research have shown that the risk of cancer is extremely small
                  • polyurethane coated silicone implants were reintroduced to the UK in 2005 because the benefit of a reduced risk of capsular contracture was thought to outweigh the extremely small risk of cancer
      • saline implants
        • filled with a sterile salt and water solution
          • either pre-filled, or they are filled through a valve once they have been inserted into your breast
        • advantages
          • have a long history of use
          • saline solution can be safely absorbed and excreted by the body if the implant ruptures
        • disadvantages
          • may be prone to rupture, or deflation, at an earlier stage than other implants
          • not as effective in women whose existing breasts are small
          • more prone to wrinkling
          • may feel and look less natural than silicone gel implants

Reference:

• 1) NHS Choices. Breast implants (accessed 8/11/09)