in the UK, there are currently two types of synthetic implant available
silicone gel and saline
both types of synthetic implant are surrounded by a firm elastic shell, which helps to prevent the implant from rupturing
surface of this shell may either be smooth, or textured
silicone gel implants
silicone gel implants are filled with a silicone substance which can either be a solid, jelly-like gel, or a more fluid-like gel
are pre-filled before being inserted into your breasts
advantages
long history of safe use
less likely to wrinkle than other implants
silicone gel is the softest implant filler available, which means that it gives you a very natural feel
disadvantages
some types of silicone gel implant can occasionally cause a larger and more obvious scar than other implants
shell of some silicone gel implants is coated with a special type of foam (polyurethane) which breaks down over time
this foam helps reduce the risk of you developing capsular contracture, one of the most common complications of breast implants
polyurethane coated implants were withdrawn from the UK in 1991 following fears that the polyurethane could increase the risk of cancer.
more recent studies and research have shown that the risk of cancer is extremely small
polyurethane coated silicone implants were reintroduced to the UK in 2005 because the benefit of a reduced risk of capsular contracture was thought to outweigh the extremely small risk of cancer
saline implants
filled with a sterile salt and water solution
either pre-filled, or they are filled through a valve once they have been inserted into your breast
advantages
have a long history of use
saline solution can be safely absorbed and excreted by the body if the implant ruptures
disadvantages
may be prone to rupture, or deflation, at an earlier stage than other implants
not as effective in women whose existing breasts are small
more prone to wrinkling
may feel and look less natural than silicone gel implants
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