What are the risks with Silicone Implants?

Question

What are the risks of silicone implants? If they rupture, what are the chances of the silicone leaking from the pocket that would surround the implant in submuscular placement?

Kenneth Dembny, II, MD · Answer

In order to completely understand the risks of
silicone gel implants and breast augmentation surgery you should consult a
board-certified plastic surgeon. Some of the most important risks or adverse
outcomes associated with breast implant surgery are bleeding, infection,
malposition, sensory change, rippling, capsule contracture, and implant
failure. Some of these may very depending upon the implant type and pocket location
chosen.

There are two types of silicone gel breast
implants approved by the FDA - round moderately cohesive gel implants and
anatomically shaped highly cohesive gel implants. One of these implants may
work better than the other depending upon breast shape, tissue compliance,
desired volume, desired shape, and whether a breast lift is required at the
same time as the augmentation. Round silicone gel implants can be used in any
patient. Anatomically shaped silicone gel implants work better in patients with
average-to-tight tissue compliance of the breast-skin envelope; and the primary
focus with these implants is usually shape instead of volume.

The moderately cohesive gel matrix in a round
implant has enough structure to prevent gross leakage should the implant fail.
The amount of gel that leaks outside the show will depend upon the size of the
hole and the duration of the failure. Providing the capsule is intact (which it
should be in almost all cases), the gel will remain inside the capsule. In other
words, the capsule serves a protective function and prevents the gel from
migrating into other tissues. If the capsule at some point loses its integrity,
then the moderately cohesive gel could migrate into other tissues. The highly
cohesive gel matrix of the anatomic implant has form stability. If the implant
fails, the structure of the gel does not allow for leakage. There have been no
reported cases of extracapsular gel migration with the highly cohesive anatomic
implants.

During your consultation, you will be able to
see and feel both of these implant types, and understand them better.

Best wishes. Ken Dembny

Jaime Campos Leon, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.As with every implant, there's always a risk involved. How ever, silicone (cohesive gel) are very safe and durable as well as natural to look and touch. They're more common and patients who plan to have a breast augmentation surgery, tend to choose these over saline.Dr. Campos

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

In Europe we have pretty much used silicone implants in preference to any other implant. Leaking can occur and all information is available on the FDA website. Silicone implants have improved since. The FDA data was for first generation cohesive gel implants and we are now using 5th generation cohesive gel implants. Personally I have never seen a leak of a 5th generation implant. You should consult with your PS and go through the pros and cons.

Terrence Murphy, MD · Answer

During a 45 minute  consultation with my patients considering a breast augmentation, I spend about 20 minutes going over the procedure recovery and risks of both surgery in general and of the implants.  The two most important things we talk about risks of implant leakage and risks of surgery in general including infection, bleeding, etc.  Your question is best answered in consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who does a lot of breast augmentation.

Mel T. Ortega, MD · Answer

With the new gel implant there is no risk of leaking that's why there are call gummy bear. Have your Board Certified Plastic surgeon explain more about it and which is best for you.

What are the risks with Silicone Implants?

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Answer: Risks of silicone implants.

Answer: Risks of silicone implants.

Answer: What are the risks with Silicone Implants?

Answer: What are the risks with Silicone Implants?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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What are the risks with Silicone Implants?

Answers (7)

Answer: Risks of silicone implants.

Answer: Risks of silicone implants.

Answer: What are the risks with Silicone Implants?

Answer: What are the risks with Silicone Implants?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.