Although there are numerous versions of breast implants which range in size, texture, and shape, almost all are filled with either a saline solution or silicone gel. Both saline-filled and silicone gel-filled implants are encased in silicone gel. Despite the presence of other types of implants with fillings such as soy oil, these two are by far the most common types.
The first saline-filled implants were manufactured in 1964 in France. The first silicone gel-filled ones were developed in Texas just a few years earlier. Over the years of course, both types have been redesigned and improved upon. Currently, saline breast implants are used more commonly than silicone in the United States. This has to do with federal health restrictions on the silicone type. In other countries, where such restrictions do not exist, silicone implants are often favored over saline versions. The first woman to receive breast implants had hers inserted in 1962.
Cosmetically, silicone gel implants are generally considered to be superior to saline ones. It is believed that silicone gel implants have a more natural look and feel. Women with very little breast tissue and those who have undergone mastectomies sometimes experience a rippling or wrinkling effect with saline implants. However, women with more abundant natural breast tissue may hardly notice the difference between saline and silicone breast implants.
In the 1990’s, a number of medical researchers studied the link between silicone gel breast implants and systemic disease. Many women have claimed to have fallen ill with neurological and rheumatological problems due to their implants. Many different studies on this and similar links have been conducted and are conducted in an ongoing basis. However, there is not yet a consensus in the scientific community on this topic.
In order to err on the side of safety, many plastic surgeons work exclusively with saline-filled breast implants. Until there is conclusive evidence that silicone implants do not cause illness in implanted patients, it is likely that doctors in the United States will continue to use saline. Some women who are dedicated to having the most natural-looking implants possible choose to travel outside of the United States to have breast augmentation surgery with silicone implants.
One of the best ways to choose the right kind of implant for your body is to consult with a plastic surgeon. Once your surgeon has made a few recommendations, research the manufacturers. This way, you will be able to learn a great deal about the design and function of your breast implants before going under the knife.