Silicone Implants and Breast Reconstruction

A recent study published in the online edition of the journal Cancer reported that breast reconstruction patients who chose silicone implants following their mastectomy were more satisfied than those who chose saline implants. Although saline implants have been continuously available for decades, the look and feel of silicone implants is now leading many women to choose silicone implants, both for cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.

It comes as no surprise to me that more and more women are choosing silicone implants in general; at Marina Plastic Surgery Associates, we’re participating in a Los Angeles breast implant clinical trial for the fifth generation of silicone implants, also known as “gummy bear” implants, and we are finding very high satisfaction rates with this implant type. We are also seeing high satisfaction with the silicone gel implant type widely available to women today.

For breast cancer reconstruction, silicone implants also make sense. Since most or all of the breast tissue can be removed during a mastectomy, many women not only want their breast to look how it used to look, but want it to feel just like their old breast as well. Coupled with the fact that gummy bear implants retain their shape when torn or punctured, how they feel makes silicone breast implants a great option.

This is not to say that silicone implants are good for every woman. There are several situations where saline implants can give the desired effect or even be preferable to silicone implants. Of course, this should be decided on a case-by-case basis with your surgeon.

Tags: los angeles breast implant
Posted in Breast Implant,Breast Reconstruction