Silicone and saline breast implants are used in breast augmentation, and there are inherent risks associated with both of them. However, silicone implants were once removed from the market, so the question is often asked, ‘ are silicone implants safe.’ Let’s take a look at the facts.

Silicone vs Saline breasts implants

Both silicone and saline breast implants have an outer silicone shell. Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel, while saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. Silicone implants are prefilled, while saline implants are filled at the time of surgery.

Since silicone gel is thick and sticky, and some women say that these implants feel a lot like natural breast tissue.Silicone implants are recommended for women 22 years of age and older, while saline implants are recommended for women 18 years of age and older.

There are risks related to both types of breast implants. In particular, there is the possibility of breast pain, infection, as well as rupture. When silicone implants rupture, it is not immediately obvious, as some of the gel often gets trapped in the breast tissue. Hence it is often referred to as a silent rupture. Saline implants will deflate when they rupture.

Are silicone implants safe?

Silicone implants were pulled from the market in by the FDA in 1992, because of safety concerns. There was insufficient safety data, and this raised particular concern if the implant ruptured, especially since silicone was linked to immune-system disease.

After conducting a thorough re-evaluation of the safety of silicone-filled implants, they were allowed back on the market in 2006. Tests carried out by the FDA did not confirm any connection between silicone and immune-system disease, so the FDA considers silicone implants reasonably safe.

Choosing a board certified surgeon will improve your chances of achieving your desired outcome, and improve your breast augmentation surgery experience. If you are in the Orange County area, contact Dr. David Dorfman or Dr. Kyle Song at South Coast Plastic Surgery, Irvine. Please call 949-701-4454 today to schedule your consultation.