Women's Breast Implants FAQs - Allergan Collection

What is the difference between saline-filled and silicone-filled implants?

Breast implants come in a variety of shapes, surface textures and sizes. All breast implants are made of a round or shaped silicone outer shell. However, the contents, or "fill," of a breast implant can be either silicone gel or saline.
Saline-filled breast implants have a self-sealing valve that is used for filling the implant with saline (salt water) at the time of surgery.
Silicone gel-filled breast implants are pre-filled with a soft, cohesive silicone gel. Many believe silicone gel-filled implants feel more natural, but only you know what's right for you.

What is silicone?

Silicones 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 a liquid, gel or a rubber-like elastomer. Silicone can be found in everyday items, such as polishes, lotions, deodorants, soaps, processed foods, baby dummies, waterproof coatings and many medical devices, like heart valves.

What does cohesive mean?

Cohesion describes a gel's elasticity or tendency to stick together. All silicone gel-filled breast implants available today are filled with cohesive gel.

In what countries are Allergan's implants approved for use?

Allergan's implants are approved for use in most European countries, the USA, Canada and Australia.

Why were silicone-filled implants taken off the market in the US during the 1990s?

In 1991, the FDA concluded that the silicone gel-filled breast implant safety data submitted by the manufacturers did not provide adequate information to determine the benefits and risks of silicone gel-filled breast implants. The panel recommended that the devices stay on the market with limited access, until additional safety data was obtained and reviewed. After a thorough review of almost 10 years of data, the FDA re-approved silicone in November 2006.

Will silicone-filled implants affect having a mammogram?

You should tell your mammography technologist before the procedure that you have breast implants. Your mammography exams should be interpreted by radiologists experienced in the evaluation of women with breast implants. You may need additional views.

Breast Implant FAQs for Women