So what are the advantages and disadvantages of the new silicone gel breast implants?
The major advantage of silicone gel implants is that they feel softer. Most patients say they feel a little more like natural breasts. They also have a decreased chance of rippling or wrinkling which can be real issue in thin patients.
The main disadvantage is that silicone gel implants are more expensive than saline implants, costing roughly $900 more per procedure. Gel implants are prefilled which means they cannot be placed through an armpit or axillary incision. Also, incisions in general need to be made longer to allow for the placement of the implant.
Finally, silicone gel implants require an MRI every three years to screen for implant failure or rupture.
The most important issue is that both implants are equally safe. None of the concerns regarding safety in the early 1990’s have been shown to be valid.
