Procedure Guide > All About Breast Implants

All About Breast Implants

Choose the breast implants that are right for you

Breast implants are available in a variety of sizes, profiles, shapes and textures to suit the individual needs of women. Your plastic surgeon and his or her staff will listen to your goals for breast augmentation, help to assess your possibilities and provide expert guidance to help you select the breast implants that are right for you.

Silicone gel implants were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for both cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery in November 2006. The decision ended a 14-year period during which silicone gel implants were available in the U.S. only for breast reconstruction, for replacement implants and for use in studies. Extensive research that has been conducted on the safety and effectiveness of breast implants has failed to link breast implants with breast cancer, connective tissue disorders, neurological disorders or other health problems.

Both saline and silicone gel breast implants are made with a silicone elastomer (rubber) shell. Saline implants are inserted empty and then filled with saline solution at the time of surgery. Silicone gel implants are pre-filled with a cohesive, gelatin-like substance that retains the natural give of breast tissue.

During breast augmentation surgery, the implants are inserted into a pocket behind the breast tissues and positioned beneath the nipples. The implants expand the breast area to provide an enhanced contour and a fuller appearance. Visit our section on breast augmentation surgery information for much more about incision types, implant placement, anesthesia and the risks and possible complications. Breast implants are also used for breast reconstruction.

Breast implants are available in a variety of sizes and projections for women with different physical characteristics and aesthetic goals. Visit our section on the types of breast implants to learn about the sizes, projections, shapes and textures that are available.

You will find a wealth of information in this section to help you find out which breast implants are right for you. Once you have used this information to become educated, a qualified plastic surgeon can provide answers to any questions you have about your possibilities based on your anatomy, your overall goals and any other pertinent factors.