Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants,
and Breast Implant Surgery

Newport Beach, California

          The breast implant is made of a silicone shell and filled with either saline (salt) water or silicone gel.  The majority of the implants used today in the United States are saline-filled implants.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has restricted the use of the silicone gel-filled implants in the United States.  The silicone gel-filled implants are approved for breast reconstruction and for use if the patient is participating in a clinical study.  Silicone-gel implants are not for aesthetic use.
          In terms of the dangers with use of silicone implants, the epidemiological studies performed in multiple institutions both nationally and internationally have found no increase incidence of breast cancer or connective tissue illness with the use of the silicone implants.

          Breast implants come in all sizes ranging from 120cc to 800cc.  As an estimate of breast implant size to the increase in breast cup size, each 150cc will approximately increase the breast one cup size.  (i.e. 300cc breast implants will approximately increase an 'A' cup breast to a 'C' cup breast).  The shape of the breast implant can be round or oval (anatomic).  The texture of the implant can be smooth or textured.
          Deciding on the right implant for a patient is made on an individual basis.  Each patient's breast shape, breast size, chest wall are anatomically unique.  In addition, each patient's desires are also different.  In order to obtain a better understanding of which implant is best for you, you should have a personal consultation with a plastic surgeon.