Saline Breast Implants

Most doctors agree that saline implants are much safer than silicone ones since any leak in the implant will only release salt water into the body, where silicone gel is much more dangerous should a leak occur. The FDA has approved these for woman over age 18 and over for breast enlargement, and they approved them for woman of all ages when it comes to reconstruction.

Silicone Breast Implants

If you're considering silicone implants you usually must be 22 years old, or older, where saline implants require you to be 18 or older. In November of 2006 the FDA approved new silicone implants after a long review of risks. They're not made the same as they were in the 1980's, where todays silicone gel breast implants contain thicker layers to help reduce the risk of leakage or breakage.

Complications & Problems

Breast implants have a limited life span, and according to the FDA a rupture can occur at any time. Once the implant breaks, medical surgery is required to remove or replace the defect implant. Other reasons why surgery may be necessary again is infection, the implant has moved, or the formation of calcium in the tissue. In addition, some woman experience nerve damage, where sense of touch is lost at the nipples. Breast feeding may also no longer be possible, and cancer is harder to detect. Because the body sees the implant as a foreign invasion it will also form scar tissue around it, and surgery is sometimes required to remove excess scar tissue. Don't forget about a lot of new bra sizes too! Talk to your doctor for detailed information on breast implants.