Breast implants are medical devices used for breast augmentation or reconstruction. This article explores the components that form breast implants, from their outer layer to their internal contents and design variations.
The Implant Shell Material
The outer layer of a breast implant, known as the shell, is primarily constructed from a solid silicone elastomer. This medical-grade silicone rubber is known for its durability, flexibility, and compatibility with the human body. The shell’s thickness typically ranges from 0.4 to 0.7 millimeters, balancing strength with a natural feel.
Modern implant shells often feature multiple layers of silicone elastomer, enhancing their structural integrity and preventing filler migration. Some shells also incorporate a barrier layer to reduce the diffusion of silicone components. The manufacturing process involves repeatedly dipping a mold into liquid silicone dispersion, followed by curing with heat to harden the material.
Understanding the Internal Fillers
Breast implants contain a filling material, primarily a sterile saline solution or a cohesive silicone gel. Each offers distinct properties affecting the implant’s feel and behavior.
Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution, similar to fluid found in the human body. These implants are inserted empty and filled by the surgeon during the procedure, allowing for precise volume adjustment. If a saline implant ruptures, the saltwater is safely absorbed and expelled by the body, with deflation usually immediately noticeable.
Silicone gel implants contain a cohesive, gel-like substance that provides a texture often described as feeling more like natural breast tissue. Modern silicone gels are highly cohesive, meaning they maintain their shape even if the outer shell is compromised. Sometimes referred to as “gummy bear” implants, their cohesivity level can vary, influencing the implant’s firmness and how it holds its shape.
Beyond Basic Components: Design Variations
Beyond the shell and filler materials, breast implants incorporate various design elements that affect their interaction with the body and final appearance. These variations include surface texture and shape, influenced by material properties and manufacturing.
Implant shells can have either a smooth or a textured surface. Smooth implants have a polished exterior, allowing them to move more freely within the breast pocket for more natural movement. Conversely, textured implants feature a roughened surface to encourage tissue adherence. This adherence helps prevent implant movement or rotation, particularly important for anatomical shapes.
The shape of an implant also contributes to the final aesthetic outcome, with common options being round or anatomical (teardrop) designs. Round implants provide fullness across the entire breast, while anatomical implants are tapered at the top and fuller at the bottom to mimic the natural breast contour. Silicone gel cohesivity largely determines the implant’s ability to maintain a specific shape, especially for teardrop designs. Saline implants also include a self-sealing valve for filling during surgery.