Silicone gel implants were reintroduced to the US market in late 2006. Dr. Hudson was involved in the pilot program for these implants and has over a decade's experience with the new gel implants, sometimes called "gummy bear" implants. He has been using both saline and gel breast implants for over thirty years.
Many materials are used to enlarge the breast. Most have fallen into disuse and implants remain the method of choice for breast augmentation. The most common method is the use of implants. These have been used since the early 1960s. An early implant was made of silicone and introduced in 1964. Silicone gel implants are the "gold standard" by which other methods are judged. They feel more natural, and are less likely to ripple or wrinkle than saline implants. Although they have the problems of any implant such as capsular formation, the association with autoimmune illness has not been confirmed by long term studies.
It is impossible to say how long any implant will last, but because the newer gel implants are solid it seems that they may have a longer life expectancy than the older saline implant. Long term studies continue into the advantages, disadvantages, and risk, of silicone implants. As with any medical product it is necessary for you to stay up to date about the latest information.
