79%

949 reviews

Worth It Rating Our index shows the percentage of community members saying this was "Worth it". See cosmetic treatment rankings

Breast Implants Cost ≈ $6,600 average cost

Write a review | Ask a Question

What Types of Breast Implants Are Available in the US?

The last I knew, saline breast implants were my only option since silicone breast implants were banned. I did hear of some new type of implant that is being used in some Asian countries, but I'm not sure if it's available here. Does anybody know what options I have for types/materials of breast implants that are FDA approved?

Tags:

saline implants silicone implant Allergan choices Mentor options type

Silicone Gel or Saline: You decide!

The good news is that silicone implants were recently reintroduced into the US Breast Implant Market after a several year moratorium. Your options now include both saline (saltwater) and gel (silicone) implants. Each implant has its specific advantages and disadvantages. The decision as to which implant is best for you really comes down to what characteristics you are looking for in an implant. Saline implants: Advantages: Smaller incision size (not prefilled) Easier to adjust for breast... more

Gregory A. Buford, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Breast Augmentation implant options

Every implant has a silicone shell to hold in whatever they are made of. They can be filled with saline (salt water) or silicone gel. Saline are available in either a round shape or a teardrop (anatomical) shape. Silicone impants are available in only a round shape for now. The anatomical (Allergan 410 or Mentor CPG) are filled with a thicker gel and are available only to those surgeons participating in a special investigational study so for now they're considered investigational. ... more

Ricardo A. Meade, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Types of breast implants available in the US

ALL implants have a silicone shell. They can be filled with either saline or silicone. The saline are available in either a round shape or a teardrop (anatomical) shape. Silicone impants are available in only a round shape. The anatomical (Allergan 410 or Mentor CPG) are filled with a more "cohesive" gel and are available only to those surgeons participating in a special investigational study.

Doctor's Website

Mark D. Epstein, MD

Stony Brook Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Types of Breast Implants

When discussing Breast Implants, there are certain terms to consider: Saline vs. Silicone Moderate Profile vs. Moderate Plus Profile vs. High Profile Smooth vs. Textured Round vs. Anatomic Subpectoral (under the muscle) vs. Subglandular (over the muscle) Silicone was reintroduced to the public in 2006 after 15 years of rigorous testing, reaffirming their safety. Silicone feels more like a mature breast than saline, and has been a popular... more

Doctor's Website

William A. Wallace, MD

Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Both saline and silicone implants are available and FDA approved

Both saline and silicone implants are currently available and FDA approved for breast augmentation in the US. Saline has been approved for many years and silicone implants were re-released back onto the market in 11/2006. You must 22 years old or greater to get a silicone implant. Both types of implants come in a variety of sizes to meet almost every sizing need. Both also come with either a smooth or textured shell (covering). Each type of implant has its... more

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Breast Implants

In the United States , both saline and silicone implants are available for use in primary breast augmentation. They are approved by the FDA. There are restrictions in using silicone implants in young women. They must be over the age of 22 for primary breast augmentation. A recent study highlighted preferences for silicone implants and patient's choosing to undergo primary breast augmentation. This has been my experience as well. Most women like the feel of the silicone implants... more

Kenneth Bermudez, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Silicone implants FDA-approved for breast enlargement Nov. 2006

Silicone gel and saline implants are both FDA-approved for use in the US, and silicone implants have never been banned from use. The FDA restricted silicone gel implants between 1991 and 2006 until overwhelming scientific evidence showed NO cause and effect relationship between silicone gel and breast cancer or autoimmune illnesses like arthritis, lupus, and others. Saline and silicone implants can be smooth or textured, and round or several kinds of teardrop shape. Since the teardrop... more

Doctor's Website

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS

Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Both saline and silicone gel filled implants are available

Since November of 2006, both saline and silicone gel filled implants have been available in the United States for cosmetic surgery. Both types of implants have pros and cons. Silicone gel implants tend to feel softer, and have less rippling/wrinkling. However, these implants are more expensive, and require larger incisions. Also, the FDA has mandated that patients need to be 22 years of age to be a candidate Obviously, saline implants can be placed... more

Doctor's Website

Kelly Gallego, MD

Sioux City Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Both silicone and saline implants are available in the United States

Both silicone and saline implants are FDA-approved for use in the United States. Silicone implants undoubtedly feel more natural but it is harder to detect a rupture if it occurs. Th FDA recommends periodic MRI evalution to monitor the implants. The saline implants will deflate if ruptured and the body will absorb the salt water. It is obvious that the implant has ruptured and no harm is done to the body.

Marisa Lawrence, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Breast Implant Types Available

There are two main implant types currently available in the United States. Saline implants have been available throughout the "silicone implant crisis" and silicone implants are also available right now. The new implants, gummy bear implants, are also silicone implants with longer chain silicone molecules. They are a little bit stiffer than the currently available silicone implants. The new silicone implants are, reportedly, popular in Europe and Asia, however,... more

Boris Volshteyn, MD, MS

Reno Plastic Surgeon

Options for Breast Implants

In the United States, both saline and silicone implants are available. Silicone implants were removed from the market in 1992 and re-approved (a more cohesive version) for general use in 2006. As plastic surgeons, we were able to use silicone implants for breast reconstruction during this time as well. The form-stable or so called "gummy bear" implants are currently under study, but may be available outside the US.

Jason Brett Lichten, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Gummy bear implants

Both saline and silicone implants are currently available. The "new" type of implant used outside of the U.S. that you are referring to are the gummy bear implants. This is a more solid type of silicone. How well these will catch on in the U.S. if they are released is yet to be determined.

York Jay Yates, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Breast Implants

In my practice I have both saline and silicone breast implants. The Mentor style of implants offer a variety of styles and sizes of breast implants and both are FDA approved. The memory gel silicone implants are often chosen by my clients for the more natural feel and look. The Silicone manufacturer provides a booklet recommending clients to have periodic MRI to determine leaks in these breast implants. Saline implants are more adjustable if you are uneven in your breast size. Saline... more

John Ward, MD

Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Silicone gel implants are available

Silicone gel implants have been available for everyone since 2006. While the studies for the FDA were conducted in patients over 22 years old, they can be used for any age candidate. Gel implants feel more natural and have less tendency for rippling. If there is a shell failure, the gel does not get abdorbed as saline would, causing a deflation.

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD

Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Both saline and silicone implants are available to patients in USA

Patients throughout the US have the FDA approved options of saline or silicone-filled breast implants. Both options are good: silicone will tend to feel more natural if you have minimal breast tissue, but saline implants cost less and work well also.

Amy M. Sprole, MD

Wichita Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Breast augmentation with gel or saline filled implants

The FDA has approved the use of gel filled breast implants for patients 22 years and older.

James Green, MD

Santa Fe Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

There are both silicone and saline implants available in the U.S.

Breast augmentation remains very popular and with a high degree of satisfaction in the majority of patients. Both silicone and saline implants are available in the U.S. Each implant is also available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Make sure you discuss your breast augmentation goals with your plastic surgeon and make sure the surgeon is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Francisco Canales, MD

Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Silicone and Saline Implants for Denver Breast Augmentation

Silicone and saline implants are both available to Denver breast implant patients! Silicone implant technology has improved greatly in the last several years making them an attractive choice for breast enhancement: More natural feel Less rippling “Gummy Bear” or “Form Stable” gel is the state of the art Saline implants have remained attractive for many patients: Saline is a balanced salt solution like intravenous fluid... more

Doctor's Website

Paul C. Zwiebel, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Saline and Silicone breast Implants are avaiable in los angeles

Both Saline and Silicone Breast implants are routinely used throughout Southern California and Los Angeles by plastic surgeons. in order to have silicone breast implants you need to be older than 22, and to be followed with MRI for breast implant integrity studies.

S. Sean Younai, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Breast Implants Available in the US

Since November of 2006, silicone breast implants are available in the US. The patient has to be 22 years old and the FDA recommends periodic MRIs to monitor the integrity of the implant. This was instituted as there was an incidence of silent rupture, where the silicone implant would fail, but the leak is contained by the patient's scar capsule. In certain instances there is no external evidence of an implant failure, meaning the affected breast looks and feels normal... more

Christopher J. Schaffer, MD

Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Breast Implants Which Are Available For Augmentation In The USA

Thank you for your question. Both silicone gel and saline implants are available for breast augmentation in the US, provided you are 22 years of age or older. Be mindful that the FDA has charged plastic surgeons with monitoring implants for their longevity. Silicone gel implants have very thick cohesive gel, and a tear in the implant skin will frequently not be apparent from the outside. Therefore patients who select silicone gel implants are well served by having periodic MRI... more

Dan Downey, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Types of breast implants available

Both silicone gel and saline implants are FDA approved. It it been proved scientifically that silicone gel is harmless. Although I use both types, I much prefer silicone gel implants over saline.

Howard T. Bellin, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Breast Implants in the US: Saline and Silicone

For a period of 14 years, only saline implants were allowed for cosmetic augmentation in the US. This was a result of a "scare" that suggested silicone implants were causing a number of medical disorders. The FDA had placed a moratorium on silicone implants, and their use was restricted to reconstructive surgery. After many years of research, the FDA decided that the implants were innocent for everything they had been blamed, and re-approved their use.... more

Michael A. Bogdan, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Only two types of breast implants but many different styles

All breast implants in the U.S. have a silicone shell and are either filled with saline or silicone gel. They are available in a range of sizes and shapes. Your surgeon will provide you with information on the implants to help you chose between silicone and saline. Also, he or she will recommend the shape based on the size and look you want. It is very difficult to get new implant types approved in the United States so it is not likely that any new types of implants... more