Breast Implants

Also it is important to understand that the devices recently are the non-form stable round silicone gel implants. There are another generation of implants that are called cohesive gel implants or gummy-bear implants. These implants have more highly cross-linked filler and are much more form stable offering many benefits to patients that are supported by their study data. These implants have undergone their FDA PMA clinical trials, but their approval process has been put on the back burner by the delays with the older gel implant approval (outlined above).

It is also important to realize breast implants exist in a variety of forms. My nanny was watching Dr. 90210 last week and I happened to walk thru the room and hear a surgeon explaining to a patient that the implant are not liquid silicone but more solid as the patient was shown a marketing ad used by a breast implant manufacturer. I have observed real confusion on the part of both patients and surgeons as I have presented to plastic surgeons, medical professionals and patients across the country. The result of this confusion is a plethora of "half truths" about various breast implants being conveyed to patients. Breast implants should be characterized by their individual characteristics as they are all different. Terms such as "liquid silicone" or "solid silicone" and many current marketing campaigns lead to patient confusion. What I can tell you is that the implants that are currently up for approval are very similar to the 3rd generation implants (see implant generation article Spring 2006) that were being used at he time of the silicone gel implant moratorium in 1992. The 2nd generation implant of the 1980's had less cross-linked filler; however, were far from liquid. The 3rd generation (and current) 4th generation have a "thicker" more cross linked filler; however are far from a solid. The newest 5th generation cohesive gel / gummy-bear implants have the most cross-linked filler and are the most form stable.

In the end there will likely be many more available breast implant choices for patients in the coming year. It will be important for both patients and surgeons to remember that all implants should be assessed/ judged on their individual characteristics and not on generalizations that lead to confusion.

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