In the world of breast augmentation, last year was all about silicone breast implants. The FDA approval of the new cohesive implants excited women considering breast enhancement surgery across the country. Nicknamed gummy bear and tear drop, implants quickly gained a reputation for not only their increased safety, but for their even more natural look and feel. The new internal structure of the implant held together even when cut in half (hence being nicknamed after the gummy candy). They were also now anatomically shaped, so they provide women with very natural-looking results from their breast augmentation.
During all the talk of silicone implants, saline implants in North Carolina were forced to take a back seat. Essentially falling out of attention while silicone – already the more popular of the two – continued to become favored even more. The silicone gel implants reached a high point when celebrity actress, Angelina Jolie, underwent a preventative double mastectomy and used the newly approved implants for her reconstruction surgery.
Saline’s Time to Shine
Manufacturers of saline implants in North Carolina have been testing a new implant of their own and are expected to receive FDA approval this year. Founded in 2006 – which just so happens to be the year that the ban was lifted on silicone implants – the so-called Ideal Implant is currently in its 10-year trial stage, being tested in 500 women across the country. The ambitiously named saline implant seems to be living up its moniker, receiving great reviews from many of these women and plastic surgeons, even being called the Hybrid breast implant.
What’s New About the Implant?
At first glance, the Ideal Implant looks much like any other saline implant, except that the outer edges of the implant have been lowered, allowing it to sit more naturally against the chest wall when placed. However, on the inside, much has changed. The Ideal Implant is made with a series of additional internal silicone shells that nest within one another. This change is intended to minimize bouncing, and prevent wrinkling and rippling, to achieve a more natural look that has been usually associated with silicone implants.
Silicone or Saline?
Silicone implants outmatched saline in 2012, accounting for 62 percent of all breast augmentation surgeries, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). With the FDA approval of the new gummy bear and tear-drop implants in 2013, we expect that number to have grown even more last year. But will this new Ideal Implant be the one that balances the numbers? We’ll have to wait and see.
For more information on breast augmentation and breast implants, call our office to set up your own private consultation.