Women considering breast augmentation with breast implants on Long Island have more and better options than ever before. While saline implants have been routinely used since 1992, the popularity of silicone is again on the rise since the FDA's renewed approval of silicone gel breast implants in 2006. Choosing the right breast implants at our Long Island practice is not a matter of guesswork.
Dr. James Romanelli has extensive experience performing breast augmentation for women from New York and Long Island. Breast enlargement procedures use either saline or silicone gel implants. During his surgical training, Dr. Romanelli worked with Drs. Frank Gerow and Thomas Cronin, the inventors of the modern breast implant. He has been an investigator in three different silicone gel implant studies, including the ongoing FDA study of the much-hyped "gummy bear" implant. Whether you are seeking breast enlargement or breast reconstruction, Dr. Romanelli can provide you with all the information you need to choose the implant type that is right for you.
To learn more about breast implant options, click here to request a free surgical consultation with Dr. Romanelli, a Long Island breast enlargement specialist and board-certified plastic surgeon.
Breast Augmentation on Long Island - Breast Implants
In order to achieve a successful breast enlargement outcome, there are a number of choices you and Dr. Romanelli will have to make together. One of your biggest decisions is the type of implant that makes the most sense for you.
Saline Implants
When the FDA imposed its 1992 moratorium on the use of silicone implants, saline became the only option for the vast majority of women seeking breast augmentation. These implants, filled with a sterile, medical-grade salt water solution, have not been shown to cause any health problems in the event of implant rupture - the saline is harmlessly absorbed by the body.
In addition, saline-filled implants offer a wider range of incision placement options, generally require smaller incisions, and are slightly less expensive than silicone gel implants, due to differences in manufacturing costs. However, after comparing both implant types, some of Dr. Romanelli's breast enlargement patients believe that saline implants lack the feel of natural breast tissue. During your consultation, Dr. Romanelli can help you determine if saline implants are the right choice for you.
Silicone Gel Implants
In November 2006, the FDA lifted the ban on silicone gel implants for almost all types of breast surgery. The new "Fourth Generation Silicone" implants are vastly improved from their earlier counterparts. These latest implants are composed of cohesive silicone gel, which substantially holds its shape even when punctured, torn, or cut, decreasing the risk of silicone leakage or migration. After over a decade of tests and clinical studies, the FDA granted marketing approval of the new generation of silicone gel implants. To ensure ongoing safety, the FDA continues to monitor silicone gel implants as part of a post-approval study. For more information on the FDA's approval of silicone implants, you can click here to read the FDA's release on its decision.
Silicone gel implants most closely replicate the feeling and appearance of natural breast tissue. They are also much less likely to create the rippled appearance which sometimes comes with saline-filled implants. Silicone implants have been continuously available in many other countries and in fact, women worldwide have shown a clear preference for silicone implants. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in countries offering both options, women choose silicone close to 90% of the time.
Dr. Romanelli has seen a dramatic shift toward women choosing silicone gel implants at his breast enlargement practice on Long Island now that both options are available. Some women have chosen to replace their saline implants with the new generation silicone gel implants, and are very happy with the more natural feel of their breasts.
If a more natural feel and appearance is what you desire, silicone gel implants may be your best option. Dr. Romanelli has many samples of implant types and will let you compare your choices while answering any other questions you have about breast implants at your consultation.
Taking the Next Step
Request a free surgical consultation with Dr. Romanelli at his office on East Main Street in Huntington, New York or call 631-424-3600 to schedule your appointment to begin the conversation about breast augmentation.