Breast Implants

Breast implants are prostheses used to enlarge the size of a woman's breast. The procedure, called breast augmentation or breast enlargement, uses saline or silicone-filled implants which are inserted inside the breast tissue for cosmetic or corrective reasons. Silicone implants have been around since the 60's, while saline implants came out a year later.

Types

Silicone-filled breast implants

Silicone implants are pre-filled and are contained in a silicone elastomer envelope, the contents of which has a jelly-like consistency very much like the consistency of breast tissue. In the 60's, silicone-filled implants were contained in thick shells that prevented the rupture of the implants. However, in the 70's manufacturers switched to thinner shells, which were more likely to rupture. This led to the ban of silicone implants in the 80s and 90's. Fortunately, today's silicon implants are contained in several layers of silicone elastomer which reduces the chances of a rupture and leakage.

Since silicone implants are pre-filled, the sizes cannot be changed once they are ordered and ready to be inserted. In some cases longer incisions have to be made to facilitate the insertion of the implant.

Saline-filled breast implants

Saline-filled implants still have a silicone elastomer envelope but are filled with a saline solution which is poured in through a valve. Although silicon breast implants are much softer than saline-filled implants, one advantage of saline-filled implants is that the size can be adjusted according to the amount of saline being filled in. Saline implants are also available as expandable implants.

Uses

Breast implants are often used for the following reasons:

• To correct breast deformities brought about by surgery (i.e mastectomy) or congenital abnormalities
• To enhance the size and shape of the breast for cosmetic purposes
• To correct or improve the result of a prior breast augmentation/ reconstructive surgery

Controversy Surrounding Breast Implants

Breast implants have been subject to controversy since they came out. The sale of silicone-filled implants, particularly, was banned in 1992 after a deluge of lawsuits which stemmed from claims and complaints that the implants caused various types of illness, from autoimmune diseases to cancer. Studies have been done based on these claims and found no conclusive evidence that supported the claims of the women against implant manufacturers. Studies done by the Institute of Medicine found that no link between the implants and the various disease, like rheumatoid arthritis, hair loss, fatigue and cancers, which were claimed by some of the women. The Mayo Clinic even states in its website that breast implants do not cause breast cancer. However, one study conducted by the FDA came out with the conclusion that leaks from breast implants has been associated with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by painful muscles, tendons, and joints.

Today, the FDA has approved several manufacturers of silicone and saline-filled breast implants, among them implant manufacturers Mentor and Allergan, which uses multiple layers of silicone to contain their implants. Not all silicone implants are FDA-approved, so ask your doctor about which FDA-approved implants are suitable for you.