Saline vs. Silicone Implants
Breast Cancer
Saline vs. Silicone Implants
Implant reconstruction surgery involves two different kinds of implants–saline, which is a sterile saltwater-filled implant, and silicone.
Saline implants require less monitoring since a leak will be very obvious. Silicone implants feel and look better, says Dr Andrea Pusic, Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. But they require a higher level of surveillance with MRI. If the silicone does leak, it poses no health risks but it will have to be replaced.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says silicone gel implants are “the most widely studied medical device in the history of medical devices.” It’s worth noting that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says implants–whether saline or silicone–are not lifetime devices.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Implant reconstruction surgery involves two different kinds of implants–saline, which is a sterile saltwater-filled implant, and silicone.
Saline implants require less monitoring since a leak will be very obvious. Silicone implants feel and look better, says Dr Andrea Pusic, Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. But they require a higher level of surveillance with MRI. If the silicone does leak, it poses no health risks but it will have to be replaced.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says silicone gel implants are “the most widely studied medical device in the history of medical devices.” It’s worth noting that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says implants–whether saline or silicone–are not lifetime devices.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Treatment: Choosing Your Treatment
Treatment: Early Stages
Treatment: Hormone Treatments
A mastectomy involves removing the breast – a treatment route many patients with breast cancer feel they will have no choice but to undergo. But it’s not the only surgical option.
Treatment: Surgery
A mastectomy involves removing the breast – a treatment route many patients with breast cancer feel they will have no choice but to undergo. But it’s not the only surgical option.
Treatment: Explaining the Options
For patients who do have to have their breasts or a piece of their breasts removed, there are a number of surgical reconstruction options available.
Treatment: Reconstruction
For patients who do have to have their breasts or a piece of their breasts removed, there are a number of surgical reconstruction options available.
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Treatment: Lymphedema
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