Silicone Vs. Saline Breast Implants
In 1992 the FDA banned the use of silicone breast implants. The only exception was for use of breast reconstruction after a mastectomy and for those in a clinical trial designed for silicone implant data. It took 14 years to overturn the ban. In 2006 the FDA approved the use of silicone breast implants once again. But not without age restrictions. Furthermore, on May 10, 2000, the FDA approved the use of saline breast implants, which also carry an age restriction.
Significance
Both silicone and saline breast implants are used for breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. While saline is the preferred of the two, some people believe silicone mimics a more realistic breast appearance and feel. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, "Silicone is used not only in breast implants but also in implants located literally throughout every part of the body. It has been used: to construct heart valves and other cardiovascular prostheses; to fashion catheters which are used for purposes ranging from drug delivery to cardiac monitoring; in dentistry; in the gastrointestinal tract; as a facilitator for nerve regeneration; in ophthalmology; in the ear, nose, throat, and respiratory tract; as a prosthesis or ingredient in prostheses for many parts of the skeletal system; as a tissue expander; as a cosmetic agent for treatment of scars and wrinkles; in the urogenital tract, including penile prostheses; and in many other applications."
Types
Silicone is a thick, sticky, gel-like substance much like cellulite that a manufacturer uses to fill a silicone implant. Saline breast implants have an outer shell made from silicone. Saline implants are empty before surgery. Once implanted, the saline implants are injected with a sterile saline solution to the desired size. Saline breast implants can be adjusted in size at a later date with minimal surgery, whereas silicone implants cannot.
Facts
According to the FDA a person must be at least 22 years of age in order to get silicone breast implants because a woman's breast continues to develop tissue until around the age of 20. The other factor in the age determination is maturity level. Breast augmentation may carry life-long medical needs, such as replacement, so the FDA believes a person age 22 or older is better able to make this type of financial and medical decision. The only exception to the age rule is breast reconstruction.
The age restriction for saline breast implants is 18. The age difference between saline and silicone is due to the difference in risk. Saline implants if ruptured would be absorbed naturally by the body, therefore causing less risk of infection.
Considerations
Saline breast implants can deflate. Silicone breast implants can rupture, and spillage of the gel can leak into the body. The FDA says the gel is not harmful and is safe for use.
Warning
Breast implants may need to be replaced every 10 years.
Breast implants may interfere with breast feeding.
Breast implants may change in appearance over time.
Breast implants can hinder breast cancer screening. Your physician may require additional testing, but insurance may not pay for the additional costs.
