At Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery, we perform breast augmentation with silicone implants on some patients. We do this because in some situations silicone implants have some advantages over saline implants. They are less prone to rippling and palpable edges, which can occur after augmentation with saline implants. They are lighter than saline implants. They tend to feel more natural and sometimes look more natural. However, they are thought by some people to be somewhat more prone to capsular contracture.

Silicone breast implants were recently approved by the FDA for general usage. Below are some common questions about silicone implants. During your consultation at our Los Angeles plastic surgery center, your plastic surgeon will be able to answer your questions and provide more information.

What is silicone?
Silicone is derived from silicon, a semi-metallic or metal-like element that in nature combines with oxygen to form silicon dioxide, or silica. Beach sand, crystals, and quartz are silica. Silica is the most common substance on earth. Heating silica with carbon at a high temperature can produce silicon. Further processing can convert the silicon into a long chemical chain, or polymer, called silicone - which can be a liquid, a gel, or a rubbery substance. Various silicones are used in lubricants and oils, as well as in silicone rubber. Silicone can be found in many common household items, such as polishes, suntan and hand lotion, antiperspirants, soaps, processed foods, waterproof coatings, and chewing gum. Click here for more information on the history and description of silicone breast implants.

Are silicone implants safe?
Special studies have been done and have determined that much higher levels of silicone have been found in cows’ milk and commercially available infant formula than are found in the breast milk of women with implants. The Institute of Medicine concluded that "There is no evidence that silicone implants are responsible for any major diseases of the whole body. Women are exposed to silicone constantly in their daily lives." Read more about breast implant safety.

Do Silicone Implants Cause Major Disease?
Concern over the association of breast implants to the development of autoimmune or connective tissue diseases, such as lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis, was raised because of cases reported in the literature with small numbers of women with implants. A review of several large epidemiological studies of women with and without implants indicates that these diseases are no more common in women with implants than those women without implants.Published studies indicated that breast cancer is no more common in women with implants that those without implants.

Who is Eligible for Silicone Breast Implants?
Because they have received FDA approval, silicone gel breast implants can be used on any woman for cosmetic or reconstructive surgery who is over the age of 22.

What are the effects of silicone gel-filled breast implants on pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Women with breast implants do not risk exposing their breastfed children to excessive amounts of silicone. The Institute of Medicine concluded “No evidence of elevated silicone in breast milk or any other substance that would be deleterious to infants (was found in women with silicone gel-filled breast implants).” They also determined “…that evidence for health effects in children related to maternal breast implants is insufficient or flawed”.

However, breastfeeding difficulties have been reported following breast surgery, including breast reduction surgery, as well as breast augmentation surgery. If your surgeon uses a periareolar surgical approach (an incision around the colored portion surrounding the nipple), it may further increase the possibility of breastfeeding difficulties.

Where can I get more information on silicone breast implants?
We are pleased to provide a comprehensive source for information on all aspects of breast augmentation, including silicone breast implants. Click here to visit our Breast Augmentation Information Center.