What Are Breast Implants Made Of? A Comprehensive Guide

Breast implants have become a widely recognized and sought-after solution for women seeking to enhance their breast size or reconstruct their breasts after a mastectomy. While the procedure itself is popular, many patients remain curious about the materials that make up breast implants, as well as their safety, longevity, and potential risks. In this detailed blog, we will explore what breast implants are made of, the different types of implants available, how they work, their benefits and risks, and everything you need to know about these devices.

Introduction to Breast Implants

Breast augmentation surgery, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, involves inserting breast implants under the chest muscle or breast tissue to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. A board-certified plastic surgeon typically performs this procedure, and it can be done for various reasons, including aesthetic enhancement, reconstructive surgery after breast cancer, or breast reconstruction following an injury or congenital condition.

Breast implants come in several types and materials, each offering distinct advantages. The two most common types are silicone breast implants and saline breast implants, both of which differ in composition and structure. Understanding what these implants are made of can help potential patients make an informed decision.

Types of Breast Implants

Before diving into the specific materials used in breast implants, it is essential to understand the two main categories of implants available on the market:

1. Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants are among the most popular types of implants. These implants have a silicone shell filled with a gel-like substance known as silicone gel. Silicone gel-filled implants are favored by many patients due to their ability to mimic the feel and texture of natural breast tissue more closely than other types of implants.

Materials Used in Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone Shell: The outer shell of a silicone implant is made of a silicone polymer. This highly flexible and durable material provides a protective barrier for the implant’s contents. The silicone shell ensures the implant maintains its shape and does not leak, even if the outer shell is punctured.
Silicone Gel: The silicone gel inside the implant is a thick, viscous material closely resembling natural breast tissue. It is designed to maintain its shape and volume, ensuring the implant doesn’t collapse or shift within the breast. Cohesive silicone gel has become increasingly popular due to its improved safety and durability.

There are also variations of silicone implants, including gummy bear breast implants. These implants are filled with a more cohesive silicone gel that has a thicker, firmer consistency, similar to a gummy bear candy. Gummy bear implants are often considered safer because they are less likely to leak, even in the event of rupture.

2. Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are another type of implant commonly used in breast augmentation. These implants consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile salt water (saline solution). Saline implants are inserted empty and filled with saline solution during the procedure.

Materials Used in Saline Breast Implants

Silicone Shell: Like silicone implants, saline implants are encased in a silicone shell. This shell provides a barrier to prevent the saline solution from leaking out.
Saline Solution: The implant’s interior is filled with sterile salt water. Saline is a natural substance commonly used in medical treatments, such as intravenous infusions. In the event of a rupture, the body can absorb the saline without any adverse effects.

Saline implants offer a less natural feel than silicone gel implants. Still, they are often preferred for their lower cost and ability to be filled after insertion, which may allow for smaller incisions during surgery.

What Are Gummy Bear Breast Implants?

One of the more recent developments in breast implant technology is the introduction of gummy bear breast implants. These implants are filled with a thicker, more cohesive silicone gel. This special gel maintains its shape even when cut or punctured, providing greater safety than traditional silicone gel implants.

Gummy bear implants are often ideal for those looking for a firmer, more natural feel that closely mimics the natural breast tissue. Additionally, these implants tend to maintain their shape more effectively over time, making them a preferred choice for some women seeking long-lasting breast augmentation results.

Benefits of Gummy Bear Implants

Natural feel and appearance: Because of the thicker silicone gel, gummy bear implants provide a more natural look and feel.
Improved safety: In the event of a rupture, the gummy bear implant is less likely to leak or collapse. The cohesive gel stays intact within the shell, reducing the risk of complications.
Durability: These implants tend to maintain their shape for longer, with less risk of wrinkles or ripples.

Textured vs. Smooth Breast Implants

Another key factor in choosing breast implants is whether you select textured breast implants or smooth breast implants. This refers to the texture of the silicone shell that encases the implant.

Textured Breast Implants

Textured implants have a rough surface designed to help the implant adhere to the surrounding breast tissue. This can reduce the risk of the implant moving out of place or rotating within the breast. Textured breast implants are often used in breast reconstruction surgery, as they provide a more stable and secure position.

However, textured implants have been associated with a higher risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), a rare type of cancer. Due to this association, some patients and doctors may prefer smooth breast implants instead.

Smooth Breast Implants

Smooth breast implants have a soft, smooth surface and are more commonly used in cosmetic breast augmentation. These implants can move more freely within the breast pocket, providing a more natural feel. However, they may have a slightly higher rotation risk, which can cause the implant to shift out of place. Smooth breast implants are often preferred for patients who want a softer, more flexible implant.

How Do Breast Implants Affect Breast Cancer Screening?

Breast augmentation does not directly cause breast cancer, but it can impact how a woman’s breast tissue appears on a mammogram or other screening procedures. The silicone shell and the saline or silicone gel inside the implant can make it more difficult for radiologists to interpret mammogram images, as the implant may obscure parts of the breast tissue.

If you have breast implants, it is important to inform your healthcare provider and breast cancer screening specialists so they can take special precautions during the screening process. For example, additional imaging techniques, such as an MRI scan, may be used to ensure that no cancerous changes are present in the breast tissue.

Risks and Complications of Breast Implants

While breast implants are generally safe, there are some potential risks and complications that patients should be aware of:

1. Rupture or Leakage

Implants, whether saline or silicone, can sometimes rupture or leak. In the case of saline implants, the body can safely absorb the saline solution. However, a rupture can go unnoticed with silicone implants, especially older models, since the silicone gel may remain trapped in the implant shell. If you suspect a rupture, consult a plastic surgeon for further evaluation.

2. Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing the implant to feel firm or misshapen. This condition can sometimes lead to breast pain or discomfort. In severe cases, capsular contracture may require breast implant removal or revision surgery.

3. Breast Implant Illness (BII)

Some women report experiencing symptoms such as chronic fatigue, joint pain, and autoimmune symptoms that they believe are related to their implants. Although research on breast implant illness (BII) is ongoing, some women choose to have their implants removed if they suspect their symptoms are related to the implants.

4. Infection or Hematoma

As with any surgery, infection or hematoma (blood collection around the implant) can occur. This is why following your surgeon’s post-surgical care instructions and attending follow-up appointments is essential.

5. Changes in Breast Tissue

Over time, the breast tissue may change, especially after pregnancy or weight fluctuations. This can affect the overall appearance of the implants. Some women may opt for a breast lift or other plastic surgery to improve the aesthetic outcome.

Conclusion

In summary, breast implants are primarily made of a silicone shell and either a silicone gel or saline solution. The choice between saline implants, silicone implants, and newer technologies like gummy bear implants depends on personal preferences, desired outcomes, and the patient’s specific needs. Silicone breast implants, especially silicone gel-filled implants, are the most common due to their natural feel and durability, while saline implants remain a reliable option for many women.

Regardless of the type, it’s essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure you understand the surgery’s risks, benefits, and expectations. Proper care, regular check-ups, and open communication with your surgeon can help you achieve the best results with your breast implants.

If you are considering breast augmentation or breast reconstruction, always prioritize your health and choose an experienced plastic surgeon to guide you through the decision-making process.