Posted: April 24, 2018
Breast implants for breast augmentation can be saline or silicone. There are benefits to each type, but it really comes down to the personal preferences of each woman. At the Scottsdale practice of Dr. John Corey, we can help you choose the right implant for your goals. To arrange a consultation, please call us at 480-767-7700.
Silicone Breast Implants
These implants contain silicone gel within a silicone shell. The gel mimics the feel of real breast tissue. They have a long-standing safety profile and have been used for many years for breast augmentation. Although some uses were restricted by the FDA from 1992 to 2006, they were never completely taken off the market and there remains no evidence that the smooth silicone implants most commonly used cause cancer or autoimmune diseases. In the 80s and 90s, this fear was largely based on misconception, and anecdotes that did not actually show causation.
More recently, in 2011, information appeared related to what many believed was a connection between breast implants and implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. This affected a very small number of women worldwide. It appears there may be a potential connection between implants with a textured surface, and not necessarily any correlation with the silicone itself. Because the number of women with this particular lymphoma reaction is so small, research into any connection is ongoing. It appears there may be a geographic or a genetic component as well.
Dr. Corey has your health and best interests in mind. If you are considering silicone breast implants, he has all of the latest information related to the benefits, safety, risks and longevity. There's a lot of research happening right now, and Dr. Corey has the information you need.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline fluid contained within a silicone shell is another option. Like silicone implants, they have a long-standing record of safety, effectiveness and great results. One difference is the response of the implant following rupture. Small tears in the shell are always a possibility with any implant but when they occur with a saline implant, the normal saline fluid will empty harmlessly into the surrounding breast capsule and will be absorbed by the body. The advantage is that you will quickly know a rupture has occurred. With silicone implants, because the gel maintains its shape, a shell rupture may be less noticeable to you. Silicone implant tears or ruptures can be diagnosed with an MRI.
Gummy Bear Breast Implants
Also known as form-stable implants, gummy bear implants are composed of a more cohesive type of silicone than was used in the 1970s and 1980s. The name "gummy bear" came from the consistency of the silicone. If you were to cut the implant in half, it would maintain its shape similarly to a halved gummy bear. Dr. Corey has been using this first generation since 2006.and these implants offer great results in terms of natural feeling breasts and a beautiful, feminine shape. Dr. Corey now refers to these as the “Jello” implant.
The latest variation, once again given the “Gummy Bear” name, is made of an even more cohesive form-stable silicone and Dr. Corey uses them when indicated and on a regular basis.
Knowing What to Choose
Dr. Corey is pleased to help his patients find the right options. When you visit for a consultation, Dr. Corey will help you decide which breast implant will provide the shape, look and feel you desire. He also performs saline breast implant removal conveniently at our office, under local anesthesia and without the need for a surgery center or Anesthesiologist.
Arrange a Consultation to Learn More
To learn more about implant options and to find out if you are a good candidate for breast augmentation, please call our Scottsdale practice at 480-767-7700. We proudly serve women from across the Metro area, including, Gilbert and Phoenix.