In the history of breast augmentation, the silicone
implant has been the most controversial topic of all.
In 1992, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) greatly
restricted the use of breast implants filled with silicone gel and Health Canada soon followed. Silicone implants were removed as there was no evidence to confirm their safety, not that there was proof that the implants were a risk to a patient. Since then only saline filled implants have been openly available to patients.

  Since the year 2000 Silicone Implants have been available in Canada through special approval by
Health Canada. In Oct 2006 Health Canada announced they had granted licences with conditions to Inamed Corporation (now Allergan) and Mentor Medical Systems to market their silicone gel-filled breast implants in Canada.

  A silicone implant is a silicone elastomer shell filled with silicone gel. The consistency of the newer silicone gel is thicker and more cohesive than previous generations of silicone implants. If you had cut into an old silicone gel implant, the silicone gel escaped from the implant shell. Now when you cut into a silicone gel implant, the implant fill maintains it shape.

  Silicone implants are very soft and natural to feel, and have a natural shape which make them very
appealing to women seeking augmentation. With cohesive gel implants the consistency of the fill
makes the implant maintain its shape, therefore there is less chance of rippling of the implant.
There are many sizes, heights and projections available in cohesive gel implants.

One disadvantage is that silicone implants come pre-filled and so you need a slightly larger incision
to insert them. Typically this incision is 4.5 - 5 cms. and is usually placed in the fold under the breast.
Occasionally they can be placed through an incision around the areola. They cannot be placed
through an armpit incision.

  If you are interested in silicone implants talk to a plastic surgeon to see if you are a candidate
for them.