img

Breast Implants

Dr. Van LaekenBoth silicone and saline implants have an outer casing comprised of silicone material. When someone makes reference to a Silicone Implant, they are referring to the filler and not the shell housing.

There are two major manufacturers of Breast Implants in Canada, Allergan and Mentor. Dr. Van Laeken is noted nationally as one of the top 10 consumers of Allergan Breast Implants.

For more information on breast implants and FAQ please visit:

www.natrelle.ca
www.loveyourlook.com

What is Silicone?

Breast ImplantsSilicones are a family of chemical compounds. They are made from silicon, a naturally occurring element found in sand, quartz and rock. Next to oxygen, silicon is the most common element in the earth's crust and becomes silicone when it is combined with oxygen, carbon and hydrogen. Silicone can be processed into many forms including liquid, gel or a rubber-like elastomer. In its various forms silicone can be found in everyday items such as polishes, lotions, deodorants, soaps, processed foods, waterproof coatings and even chewing gum.

Approved by Health Canada

The approval of the Natrelle™ Silicone-Filled Breast Implants was based on preclinical testing, seven years of data for 715 women from Allergan's Core Clinical Study, five years of data from Allergan's pivotal study (Style 410 Study) and a European rupture prevalence study. In addition, hundreds of published, peer-reviewed studies and research have studied the safety of silicone gel-filled breast implants. Learn the facts about the safety of silicone.

Saline vs. Silicone

Advantages of Saline

  • If a rupture occurs, the saline (salt solution) will be reabsorbed by the body and is not considered dangerous.
  • Over 100 different options in style size and shape available.

Advantages of Silicone

  • A more natural shape and feel can be achieved. The cohesive gels provide a gentle slope in the upper pole of the breast and create more fullness at the base.
  • Over 140 different options in style size and shape available.

Disadvantage of Saline

  • More likely to show ripples
  • May appear less natural with more volume noted to the upper chest.

Disadvantages of Silicone

  • Rupture of a silicone implant is often silent and can be difficult to detect.
  • More views are required for mammography and therefore, you will receive more exposure to radiation.
  • A slightly larger incision may be required to accommodate the insertion of the implant.
  • There has been much discussion about the connection linking silicone to connective tissue and autoimmune diseases, however, studies have failed to prove a direct correlation.

Screening for Implant Rupture

Implants are not considered to be lifetime devices. Ruptures can occur periodically as a result of:

  • Trauma
  • Age of implant
  • Damage by surgical instruments
  • Compression during mammography

There is no immediate danger to your health if the implant ruptures. Please call for an appointment to see Dr. Van Laeken if you suspect this has happened.

Signs and Symptoms of Rupture

  • Loss of volume size to the breast or implant
  • Knots or lumps surrounding the implant
  • Pain, tingling, burning or numbness
  • Hardening of the breast

Process for Determining Implant Integrity

  • Patient self - exam
  • Physical exam by physician
  • New signs or symptoms
  • Ultrasound, mammogram, MRI if previous tests prove inconclusive

Note: Silicone implant ruptures may be silent and asymptomatic.