Breast Implants in Bakersfield – Breast Augmentation

Women Have New Choices for Breast Enlargement

Silicone Gel breast implants logo

The FDA Panel approved the use of silicone breast implants for most women in November of 2006. After 14 years of intense study involving patients, plastic surgeons, and manufacturers, silicone breast implants are now an option for most women for first-time augmentations. The only limitation requires that patients be at least 22 years old.

Prior to this wider release, silicone implants were only available to women having reconstructive needs or anatomic abnormalities. For women younger than 22 years of age who do not fit these criteria, the FDA recommends saline implants for first-time cosmetic breast enhancement.

Additionally, the FDA recommends regular MRI scans over a woman’s lifetime to check for ruptures. If a rupture is detected during one of these exams, replacement is recommended. The most recent research suggests that 90% of silicone implants last 10 or more years. Please note that newer generations of implants are made with a “highly cohesive” silicone (like gummy bears). This new gel formulation should further improve this statistic relative to the older generations of silicone implants.

Worldwide, most women opt for silicone gel over saline implants because of the better feel and shape. Although silicone is now available to most women, it shall remain controversial for the near future. The chart below describes the differences between silicone gel and saline-filled breast implants. For more information about silicone vs. saline implants, please visit the following websites: www.Mentor.com, www.Inamed.com, www.FDA.gov, www.breastimplantsafety.org.

MemoryGel^TM Breast Implants	Saline Breast Implants

FDA Approved	FDA Approved
Filled with Mentor’s proprietary silicone gel MemoryGel^TM 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.

Please contact our Valencia office or call Wendy Whitehead, our Patient Care Coordinator, at 661-260-3021 for more information on these exciting new implants.