For many, many years, silicone and saline implants have been the standard for breast augmentation surgeries performed in the United States. Even when silicone gel implants were banned for fourteen years, the FDA still allowed certain types of silicone implant surgeries to take place. And, of course, saline implants were used exclusively when it came to aesthetic-only surgeries.

Both types of implants have been under the microscope when it comes to their general safety. This, of course, is truer with silicone gel implants. Most of these fears relate to an implant rupturing and then leaking silicone gel (or saline solution) into the human body.

When a saline implant ruptures, it is very noticeable. The implant will completely deflate within 24 to 48 hours. The woman will typically detect the change rather quickly. Once detected, she can contact her breast augmentation surgeon and discuss corrective methods.

When a silicone gel implant ruptures, it will slowly leak silicone gel into the body. Unlike saline implants, the silicone gel implant is extremely difficult if not impossible to detect without the assistance of an MRI scan. Silicone gel ruptures are often referred to as "silent ruptures" because they are so difficult to detect.

Silicone gel implants were banned by the FDA for unrestricted use following the bankruptcy of Dow Corning, one of the leading silicone gel implant manufacturers. After that bankruptcy, the FDA took action. The basis for the lawsuits against Dow Corning related to the silicone gel leaking into the body. Thousands of women complained of various illnesses and sicknesses, and they attributed their poor health to silicone gel leaking into their body.

Saline implants use a saltwater solution. If this solution leaks into the body, it is virtually harmless. A woman's body will simply soak up the solution and then pass it via urination. When it comes to the filler leaking into the body, saline breast implants are considered the safest implant currently available.

The FDA currently recommends a bi-annual MRI for any woman who has breast implants. Although few women consider the cost of the MRI when they initially purchase their breast augmentation procedure, the cost should be considered. And since breast augmentation surgery is almost never financed by the health insurance companies, you can bet that paying for the cost of an MRI will be the woman's responsibility.

Bottom line: modern science and technology have come a long ways. Silicone breast implants are now approved for unrestricted use. Not only that, but rest assured that the silicone breast implant has been studied and analyzed far more than any other medical device in the history of mankind. If you choose to have saline implants, you can find comfort in the fact that saline implants are recognized worldwide as the safest breast implant currently available.

Do you want to learn more about breast implant ruptures and leakage? There is only one place you should go when you want information: straight to a licensed, board certified surgeon! Only a practicing breast augmentation surgeon can give you straight answers about the most current procedures and risks.

It is not the intention of this article to provide medical advice of any sort. If you seek answers for your health-related questions, you will need to seek the guidance and counsel of a licensed, board certified surgeon. Good luck!