Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants are safe and offer many advantages over saline. The new silicone breast implants, approved by the FDA in 2006, have improved feel, shape, and safety. They're made with a three layer fused outer shell and cohesive elastic silicone gel placed and sealed at the factory.
Silicone gel breast implants strongly mimic real breast tissue and for that reason, they're making a strong comeback. According to FDA regulations, patients must be at least 22 years old to undergo breast augmentation with silicone implants.
Advantages of Silicone Breast Implants
- Natural characteristics
- Less rippling
- Less wrinkling
- Compresses easily
- Feels more like part of your body
Disadvantages of Silicone Breast Implants
- FDA recommended routine MRI's to monitor implants
- Slightly higher cost
- Longer incision needed
Silicone breast implant manufacturers
The two major manufacturers of silicone gel implants are Allergan and Mentor Corporation. Both companies produce high quality breast implants and offer warranties. In the event of a rupture they may even help you pay for revision surgery.
Read more about breast implant deflation or rupture and repair
Are silicone breast implants really new?
Silicone breast implants have actually been in use since the 1960s. However, in 1992, the United States FDA decided to restrict their use due to unverified reports of connective tissue diseases being linked with silicone breast implants. Several lawsuits were filed, but no conclusive scientific evidence ever surfaced on the matter.
Silicone gel implants were never shown to cause connective tissue diseases. After a great deal of research, the FDA lifted the restrictions in 2006. Now surgeons and their patients are fortunate to have several highly advanced silicone implant offerings to choose from.
Silicone breast implant placement
Several placement options are available for silicone gel breast implants, including subglandular placement, submuscular and partial submuscular. The proper placement for each patient will vary depending on body type, implant size, and other considerations.
How much do silicone breast implants cost?
The cost of breast augmentation with silicone implants is generally higher than with
saline implants. The average cost of silicone breast implants in our office in Las Vegas is $6200. Call us for more specific information on the price of breast augmentation at Cosmetic Surgery of Las Vegas.