Safety Issues Related to Saline and Silicone Implants

Published on February 4, 2010 by Brian Joseph

Dr. Brian Joseph and the staff at Park Avenue Plastic Surgery stand behind the conviction that breast augmentation surgery is one of the safest surgical cosmetic procedures a person can undergo. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has tested and studied both saline and silicone implants and found both to be “safe and effective” in breast enlargement or reconstruction procedures.

Some women may be under the impression that saline implants are safer than silicone. The truth is that both are very safe options; however, silicone implants may require more monitoring to ensure that a “silent rupture” has not occurred.

  • When saline implants leak, the effects are generally immediate, with the implant deflating as the saline is safely absorbed into the body.
  • The thicker, sticky gel that is found in silicone implants will not absorb into the body in the event of a rupture. In fact, there may be no outward signs of the rupture, or the patient may experience other symptoms such as breast distortion, pain or lumps. Untreated, the leaked gel can result in the development of scar tissue, pain or deformity.

Regular MRI exams (every two years) on silicone implant patients can help identify any signs of implant leakage.

Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation has its own set of risks and complications. By remaining in tune with your body and aware of any inconsistencies, problems can be identified and treated early.

Board-certified Florida cosmetic surgeon Dr. Joseph
has an outstanding reputation for educating patients on all aspects of breast enlargement surgery. If you would like to join the ranks of satisfied patients, please complete our “contact us” page for a complimentary breast surgery consultation.

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