The Hidden Benefits Of Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants are prosthetic devices to change the shape and size of the breast. They are commonly used in breast augmentation. More than 300,000 breast augmentations are performed each year in the United States. Silicone is a molecule that contains the elements, silicon, carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen in a repetitive sequence. The sequence of atoms allows the silicone to be made into either a solid, elastomer or gel. Therefore both the shell of the implant and the filling is silicone. The shell is durable and solid it is an elastomer. The filling material is a gel. Breast implants using cartilage, paraffin and other materials have been tried since the 1880’s. But it was not until the 1960’s that the Dow Company with doctors Gerow and Cronin developed a relatively safe product. The first generation implants were tear drop shaped, filled with a thick viscous gel and had a Dacron patch on the back to hold them in place. These implants revolutionized breast augmentation and reconstruction. Surgeons in the 1970’s and 1980’s helped develop the second generation of implants. These implants in an effort to be even more natural had thinner shells and “runnier” gel fills. These were the implants that were most involved in the class action lawsuits of the 1990”s.Third and fourth generation implants have increased safety and performance. These implants have a thicker more cohesive gel and shells with barrier to prevent “gel bleed”. The third and fourth generation implants are those most used today and come in anatomical and round shapes in smooth or textured styles. High cohesive or form stable implants are undergoing testing. This is an abbreviated summary of breast implant history. I have placed thousands of implants over the past twenty five years. I have placed, first, second, third and fourth generation implants, round, and anatomical implants, expander implants, and polyurethane implants. Please allow me to share my knowledge and experience with you. You can schedule a complimentary consultation by calling 310. 274. 4103.