Silicone Breast Implants - FAQs

Silicone breast implants are one of the most commonly chosen types of breast augmentation plastic surgery. Many women want to have breast implants because their breasts have begun to sag due to age or childbearing, or simply because they want a larger, fuller bosom. If you are considering have breast augmentation, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about silicone breast implants, along with the answers.

Q. What exactly is a silicone breast implant?

A. A pre-filled breast implant filled with a silicone material.

Q. Do silicone breast implants require a larger incision?

A. In general, yes, but not much larger than what is necessary for a saline breast implant.

Q. What are “Gummy Bear” silicone implants?

A. The Gummy Bear silicone breast implants are somewhat firmer than regular silicone implants. However, their advantage is that they cannot rupture.

Q. Aren’t silicone breast implants banned by the FDA?

A. Not anymore. Silicone breast implants were banned by the FDA during the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 2005, the FDA approved the Mentor silicone breast implant. In 2006, the FDA followed up with approval for other brands of silicone breast implants. However, all types of silicone breast implants are not approved by the FDA, so always ask the plastic surgeon if the silicone implant he or she intends to use in your breast augmentation is FDA approved.

Q. Do silicone breast implants rupture easily?

A. No. Nowadays, silicone breast implants are made much differently than they were initially. Back in the 1970s, silicone implants were made with only a thin shell, which was more prone to rupture. The silicone implants used today have several layers of silicone elastomer surrounding the implant, thus reducing the danger if gel leakage or rupture. This has made the silicone implants a bit firmer, but still softer than saline breast implants.

Q. Do silicone breast implants cause breast cancer?

A. No. There has been absolutely no evidence to suggest this to date. The National Cancer Institute has said that studies show no more incidence of breast cancer in women with silicone breast implants as women without them.