Question:
Pros and Cons to Breast Implants????????

I need direction. Could my AMOS family tell me of the pros and cons of breast implants and direct me to where I could do some research on the subject? I am a little uncomfortable knowing I'll have foreign things in my body and afraid mamograms will be harder to read. Also what is the difference between saline and silicon implants?    — Lynne C. (posted on September 2, 2004)

September 2, 2004
There is plenty of info online about implants. I know when I was in the process of deciding about mine I went to a site called yestheyrefake.com, which had pics and info from many people. There are also sites like breasthealthonline which are a little more serious. In terms of the pros: mine look great and they don't feel fake. They are not too big and they shape me very nicely. I was nothing but skin before! The surgery was not too difficult and I recovered pretty quickly. I just had a mommogram last week and they are very experienced at dealing with implants. (Surgeons place the implants under the muscle so that your breast tissue can still be seen in a mammogram.) Saline implants are silicone sacs filled with a saline solution - that's what I have. Silicone is a more firm kind of gel. It's said to feel more natural but I don't think mine are fakey-feeling. Most of the time you can't get silicone unless you are having a reconstruction following cancer anyway. One concern some people have is that implants don't last forever and may have to be replaced eventually (like in 10 years or so.) I don't mind that. hugs, Ann....RNY 9/10/99.... 260/124
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 2, 2004
Hi Lynne! Don't know how much help I will be on this topic, as I had to go through the implant thing due to cancer, not or augmentation, but from what I had researched and what the doctor told me, is that you can only get the silicone implants if you qualify under a "test" group, and at this point, the only people who can get the silicone implants are breast cancer victims who are undergoing reconstruction. I am at a "midway" point right now, where I have and extender implant in one breast, which is lined with silicone and the rest is filled with saline, but it is not the same kind of saline bag that would be used as a permanent implant. I am not happy with the saline, but know it is because of the transition, being an extender bag only, and that if I choose to go with a permanent saline bag, it will be just as aesthecilly pleasing as a silicone bag. I have opted for the silicone implant, only because it seems to be a little less heavy than the saline bags that I held while making the decision. My 2nd breast did not take to the "extending" process, and they had to remove the bag, and I will be going in soon to have a small amount of muscle and tissue removed from my back (under the shoulder area where our bras cover), and they will build a "mound" with that, then put in a new silicone implant under that to make me the size I want to be. Talk with your Plastic Surgeon, get all the information you can, and make a wise decision. Sometimes, getting a 2nd opinion will put your mind at ease, and might give you better insight before making your final decision. The silicone seemed right for me, but I also don't have to worry about mammograms anymore, as both breasts were completely removed. I do know that there are special technicians who are schooled and trained to do the mammograms with implants, and are as safe and reliable as a regular mammogram. Good luck to you in your journey.
   — DorrieB

September 2, 2004
I agree...your doc should give you the information so you can decide. The best, mosta ccurate, and user-friendly info on plastic surgery (including pricing averges) is from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast implant info is at http://www.plasticsurgery.org/public_education/procedures/AugmentationMammoplasty.cfm. Hope this helps.
   — DrL

September 2, 2004
I have had both types. The saline were all that were avilable in 1996. My body didn't much like them. I had a "corner", and it formed scar tissue which moved the implant and formed other scar tissue. I gave up at 5 yrs and replaced them with the gels. My PS had 25 tests available, 5 of them revisions. So, I am a revision tester. These feel better on the inside because they're smooth, no corners. I'm not sure my body is all that wild about "the invaders", though. I just wanted to restore things to original. My husband said the gels look more natural and some feel of more natural, but he thought the salines felt natural, too. Of course, HE'D tell me anything. <wink> As the others have said, the gels may or may not be an option that is open to you at your particular surgeon's. It's been 3 yrs with the gels and they give me less grief than the salines did. In reality, if I could have some perky liil B's of my own, I'd do it in a second, but alas, my forever (since age 16 or so) C-D models would now be AA on a good day. And I just wasn't ready to go there yet.
   — vitalady

September 3, 2004
From some of my research, I have found that most people find that the gel implants look and feel more "real"....I do believe that right now PS's can only use the gel implants for reconstructive work on breasts. Of course, loosing massive amounts of weight can and sometimes does qualify you for reconstructive breast surgery. Good Luck making your choices. I am still pre-op for the GBS, but already know I want implants when my boobies end up long and lean ;-)
   — Denitta

September 6, 2004
Yes. The gel implants can be used as part of a protocol (if your doc participates in the study.) They can be used in cases where a lift is done, or in an implant exchange. They cannot be used for just a simple augmentation. They are a more natural-feeling implant with less chance of rippling.
   — DrL