The Breast Enhancement Institute^TM
The Basics of Breast Implants:
What you want to know about Breast Implants:

A brief note on "Where to Start":

The two types of breast implants: Saline-filled versus Silicone Gel-filled implants.

A word on Breast Implant Shapes and Styles.

What effect can implants that are “too big” have on my body?

Can they break, or rupture?

Can breast implants give me breast cancer and are they safe?

What warranty is available, and does it cost extra?

What does the FDA say about Breast Implants?

The two types of breast implants: Saline-filled versus Silicone Gel-filled implants.

Over 200,000 breast augmentation procedures are performed each year in the US. Currently only 2 companies are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manufacture breast implants, others are expected on the way pending future FDA approval.

At the BEI(tm) we are proud to offer the full line implants from both of the currently only FDA-approved manufacturers, Mentor, and Natrelle (Inamed), to our patients. We have provided you with the links (below) to each of these manufacturers in the event you want additional information specific to the manufacturer.

All of the current FDA-approved breast implants have a silicone outer shell. They then have an inner fill of either silicone gel or saline (a salt-water solution). The saline implants are currently the most commonly used breast implant in the US. From 1992 to the fall of 2006 the silicone gel-filled breast implants where available only in a limited basis by the FDA. During that period access to these implants was restricted only to patients that were enrolled in an authorized clinical breast implant study. Dr. Maggi was a participating investigator for the FDA trials during that period. For Mentor alone over 200,000 women with silicon-filled breast implants were studied.

As of the fall of 2006 the FDA determined that the research performed on the use of gel-filled implants had shown that they were safe to use, and the Silicone gel filled implants were made available to the general public. The gel filled implants are now available to all cosmetic surgery patients older than 22 years of age.

Some feel that the gel-filled implants offer the most natural feel and appearance. This is particularly true because, unlike water, the gel is more compressible and thus more like natural tissue. Dr. Maggi however sees very natural feeling breasts with both types of implants in his patients- as is demonstrated in the numerous testimonials available on our web-site.

Another significant difference between the two types of implants is that unlike the saline-filled implant the gel-filled is offered at a set size, or pre-filled volume. The saline-filled is filled with the saline at the time of surgery. This allows Dr. Maggi a degree of flexibility and thus allowing for him to make some fine adjustment in the final fill volume between each of the implants. This is particularly useful if there is some degree of asymmetry between each of the breasts.

To better decide what may be best for you, during your consultation(s) with Dr. Maggi and the staff at BEItm you will have many opportunities to discuss in detail the different options in shapes, sizes, and types of breast implants available to you. You will also be able to hold and feel the two types (gel and saline) of implants to better decide for yourself.

Silicone Breast Implants MemoryGelTM	Saline Breast Implants
FDA Approved	FDA Approved
Filled with Mentor's proprietary silicone gel MemoryGelTM holds together uniformly while retaining the natural give that resembles breast tissue.	Filled with a saltwater solution Similar to the fluid that makes up most of the human body; slightly firmer feel.
Set fill volume	Flexible fill volume Allows the surgeon to adjust the volume during the procedure.
Three projection options Moderate, Moderate Plus, High Profile.	Three projection options Moderate, Moderate Plus, High Profile.
Two shell surfaces available Smooth and textured.	Two shell surfaces available Smooth and textured.
Slightly larger incision size with various options for incision placement.	Smaller incision size with various options for incision placement.
Covered by Mentor's standard or Enhanced Advantage Limited Warranty and lifetime replacement policy.	Covered by Mentor's standard or Enhanced Advantage Limited Warranty and lifetime replacement policy.

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A word on Breast Implant Shapes and Styles.

Both manufacturers make breast implants with different styles and shapes. The decision to what style to choose is determined by each woman’s personal preference, body type, and how large of an augmentation is planned. For example, in cases of a narrow (or petite) chest wall and the patient desires a larger sized implant- a higher profile, or narrower based/taller implant may be selected.

In addition to a variety in shape some styles of implants also offer a textured or smooth surface. The textured surface implants were initially designed to minimize the formation of an excessively thick scar tissue, or capsule contracture, around the implant. However the clinical evidence from the manufacturers seems to show that no difference was found in the overall likelihood of developing a capsule contracture with either type of surface.

To properly determine the correct style of implant requires measurement of your breasts, chest wall, and consideration of how large you are wishing your breasts to be.

For images of the different styles of implants click here.

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What effect can implants that are “too big” have on my body?

Choosing the right size implant is one of the most important decisions in the process. This involves the patients own sense of aesthetics and beauty, along with a careful evaluation of their existing breast shape and size.

During your consultation with us you will have the opportunity to “try on” different sized implants under a non-padded bra to get a sense of what size you are interested in. This information along with a careful evaluation of your skin quality, degree of tissue laxity, and overall breast shape will play an important roll in what size you choose is right for you.

In cases where larger sized implants are chosen- the result may be an increase in the effects of gravity on your breasts and back. This may result in chronic back pain, as well as also causing your breasts to prematurely sag, or droop. Some women are also resistant to going “too big” in case they may get in the way of their exercising or other activities.

We strongly feel that the more time we spend with you on the “front-end”, before the surgery, in making this decision the less likely you will be unhappy afterwards with the size you selected. As a result we pride ourselves with a very low redo, or size revision, rate after your breast augmentation.

Our motto at BEI is "...good planning leads to good results!".

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Can they break, or rupture?

Occasionally, breast implants will leak or fail.

A rupture can occur as a result of an injury to the chest area, or from normal compression and movement. In a study of 901 patients over a 7 year period with saline-filled implants, Natrelle (Inamed) found a 10% implant deflation rate.

If a saline-filled implant breaks, the implant will fully deflate and the salt-water will be harmlessly absorbed by the surrounding tissue. The loss of volume and resulting asymmetry is usually very apparent to the patient.

If a gel-filled implant leaks one of two things may occur. If the shell fails but the surrounding scar tissue, or capsule, remains intact then you may not detect the event. If however the capsule also tears the now free silicone gel may move into the surrounding tissue. The gel may then unevenly collect in an area and cause a new scar to form around it, or it may migrate to another area in the body. This may result in a change in feel, or firmness, and also in the overall shape of the affected breast. Often times an MRI is needed to determine if the silicon filled implant has ruptured.

In either case a second surgery is required to remove and replace the affected implant. Both manufacturers offer a lifetime product replacement.

Click here for a link to the particulars of each company’s specific replacement warranty.

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Can breast implants give me breast cancer and are they safe?

There is no evidence that breast implants cause breast cancer.

However with regards to the surveillance for breast cancer they will often require the way a mammogram is performed. Whenever you request for a routine mammogram be sure to go to a radiology center that is experienced in the techniques required to perform mammography on a patient with breast implants. In some cases the radiologist may request for an ultrasound or other study in addition to the mammogram.

The breast implant safety issue has been closely studied by the US Government. In 1997 the Department of Health and Human Services began one of the most in depth research studies in medical history. They appointed the Institute of Medicine, and the National Academy of Science to examine the potential complications that can occur.

The conclusion by the IOM was that the, “Evidence suggests diseases or conditions such as connective tissue diseases, cancer, neurological diseases or other systemic complaints or conditions are no more common in women with breast implants than in women without implants.”

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What warranty is available, and does it cost extra?

Both of the FDA approved manufacturers we work with at BEI offer a warranty at no extra charge. This covers a lifetime replacement of the gel or saline filled implant (or implants) if a failure occurs. For an additional fee (from $100.00 to $150.00 they also offer an extended warranty to the patient). This coverage allows the patient care in another city, or state, and by a different surgeon.

Please click here for Mentor’s Warranty.
Please click here for Natrelle’s Warranty.

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What does the FDA say about Breast Implants?

How can I find more about the two FDA approved manufactures of Breast Implants? (We offer implants from both at BEI )

1. Mentor Corp.

2. Natrelle/Allergan

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