Throughout breast enlargement history, opinions have changed in regards to silicone breast implants. Back in the 1970’s and 1980’s the silicone filled implants were mostly used for breast enlargements and their design made them susceptible to frequent breakages and ruptures. Silicone breast implants were made of thick silicone gel fills surrounded by a very thin shell. Since the shell layer that blocked the silicone from the body was so thin, they would frequently rupture and the silicone gel would leak from the breast area and out into the woman’s body cavity. Various health concerns forced silicone implants from the market in 1992.

In November of 2006, the United States Food and Drug Administration rescinded the ban on silicone breast implants after extensive studies and reviews by the FDA’s scientific panel. In addition, the FDA worked hand in hand with silicone implant manufacturers imposing conditions on how the implants would be constructed. Today’s implants are silicone gel fills with multiple layers of outer shell to provide better protection from leaks out into the body from ruptures. That being said it is also important to state that not all silicone breast implants on the market today are approved by the FDA and it is imperative that you ask your doctor what type of implants are available.

There are benefits and disadvantages to having silicone breast implants. After the breast augmentation the silicone has been known to have a more natural looking shape and a feel closer to that of a natural breast since its consistency is more like that of breast tissue. In addition, the way that the silicone gel is made makes it less common to have rippling that can sometimes occur after a breast augmentation. A disadvantage to having silicone implants is of course the risk of a rupture. If the implant ruptures, the silicone stays in the chest cavity and can possibly go unnoticed. As with every procedure, there are risks involved and you should discuss these concerns with your surgeon before your breast augmentation.