There are two main types of breast implants that are currently used in the UK for breast enlargement surgeries. The first is filled with silicone gel, and the second is filled with saline (salt water).

Implants have been used for breast augmentation since the 1960’s and according to the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), if they are made to appropriate specifications then the current evidence suggests they are safe to use.

However, each type of breast implant has its pros and cons. In this article you will discover the benefits and drawbacks of both kinds of implants to help you make an informed decision.

If you've had Breast implant Surgery that has gone , then our team of solicitors can help you, learn more about making a breast implant claim here

Pros and cons: Silicone gel implants

Silicone gel implants are the most commonly used type in the UK. The silicone filler can either be a firmer jelly-like gel – cohesive gel implants – or a softer, fluid-like gel. They are made from medical grade silicone, which is a polymer that has been tried and tested for safety and is used in a number of other medical devices such as prosthetic implants.

One significant con of using silicone is that there is a risk of rupturing, and a ruptured implant can be difficult to detect. If the implant breaks, the silicone remains in the body and can travel beyond the breast and into the lymph nodes.

However, BAPRAS states that, as far as current research suggests, silicone is safe and does not cause ill health. Everyone already has small quantities of silicone in their body which does not, as far as current research suggests, affect us. Silicone is inert in the body, meaning that you cannot react to it or reject it.

Pros and cons: Saline gel implants

Saline is a solution found naturally in the body which, according to the BAPRAS, many people believe to be a benefit. The con of a saline gel implant is that they can feel and look less natural than a silicone implant. They also are slightly more liable to rupture, which can cause wrinkling of the skin.

However, if the implant was to rupture, the saline solution would be safely absorbed or passed through the body. What’s more, the water-like filling of these implants means that if there was a leak they would visibly decrease in size over time, allowing you to catch a rupture sooner than a silicone implant.

So which implant is safer?

If you decide to undergo breast augmentation surgery, your surgeon will suggest which is the best implant for you. Your surgeon will consider many variables in their decision, taking into account, for example, your current breast size and shape, breast tissue and medical history.

If you have experienced problems following breast augementation surgery as a result of clinical negligence, get in touch with us to see if you have a case for compensation. Call 0808 252 7175 or request a callback by completing our contact form.