Since the FDA has approved silicone breast implants safe for use in the United States, many women have more options for breast augmentation than they did ever before. Saline implants have been widely used for many years now for basic breast augmentation – with good results, however, under certain circumstances some women were allowed to have silicone implants until their universal approval in November of 2007.

Silicone breast implants offer the benefit of feeling more natural, weighing less – which reduces the chance of ptosis – and do not ripple when bending over. This has been a major complaint of saline implants for some time. However, saline implants have the benefit of requiring a smaller incision and in some cases are able to be place through the belly button, reducing the chances of a visual scar.

Safety has often been a question of concern for women seeking breast augmentation with regards to their implant choices. Both Saline and Silicone have been extensively studied over the past decade for their rate of rupture, capsular contracture, studies on breast cancer, auto immune deficiency syndrome and overall affect on the human body. In fact, the silicone breast implant has been studied more and tested more than any FDA approved drug and medical device on the market today.

The two major manufactures of breast implants in the US are the Mentor Corporation and Allergan. Both companies provide a complete list of options in their breast implants choices – from high profile to low profile to smooth round to contoured textured. The options may seem confusing for women seeking breast augmentation, however, during the consultation visit most of these questions can be addressed with the surgeon.

The fact the there are a multitude of choices now for breast implants, women should take the time to research their options prior to scheduling their surgery. If you are wishing to know more about breast augmentation and your breast implant choices please contact Bellevue Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Michael Leff for your free consultation.