Silicone Gel Implants

Patients choose silicone gel implants because they want soft breasts that feel natural. Traditional silicone gel implants are prefilled with silicone gel, which is a thick, sticky fluid that is designed to imitate the feel of human fat. Silicone implants are much more pliable than saline implants, and the silicone looks and feels more like normal breast tissue.

On the other hand, silicone gel can be a problem if the implant ruptures. In 1992, silicone gel implants were taken off the market due to fears that they could be linked to cancer, autoimmune and connective tissue disorders such as lupus. Gradually, silicone implants were allowed for use in breast reconstruction and in revision of previous breast augmentation. In 2006, after extensive studies, the FDA approved the full use of silicone implants again when no links were found between silicone implants and cancer, autoimmune and connective tissue disorders. If a silicone implant ruptures, however, it may be silent. Any free silicone tends to remain trapped in the patient's tissues, and the rupture may not be noticeable. The FDA recommends that women with silicone implants undergo breast MRI surveillance 3 years after implantation and then every 2 years after that. 

Silicone is supposed to be inert, but it can cause irritation to the tissues if the silicone gel leaks. Sometimes the only sign of rupture is a little pain or discomfort on the side of the ruptured silicone implant. Women with silicone implants who have discomfort should undergo breast MRI to evaluate for a potential silicone implant leak. Silicone gel implants can be used in women over age 22 years for breast augmentation, and in women of any age forbreast reconstruction.