A clinical study of a new saline implant is currently being conducted in select locations throughout the country. This new implant, called the IDEAL IMPLANT®, was designed to offer the safety of saline combined with the aesthetic benefits of silicone gel. The newly developed IDEAL IMPLANT® is filled completely with saline, a naturally occurring substance in the human body, but uses multiple silicone shells to reduce the sloshing effect which commonly occurs with traditional saline implants. Wrinkling, another aesthetic drawback of traditional saline implants, is addressed by the new implant as well, with a a design which is said to conform better with the chest wall.
This improved saline implant could fill a much needed gap in the world of breast augmentation. Though silicone gel implants have been FDA approved for use in breast enhancement since 2006, and tend to offer a better aesthetic result than traditional saline implants, a recent study conducted by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery shows that saline implants are still used in the majority of breast augmentations. These results indicate that safety issues associated with silicone implants still affect implant choice for both surgeons and patients.
The IDEAL IMPLANT® is currently being tested in 500 women in Texas, Florida and California. Until more studies are completed, however, traditional saline and silicone gel implants are still the available options.
For those considering breast augmentation, Seattle plastic surgeons at The Gallery for Costmetic Surgery offer great information on their website. Or, consult plasticsurgery.org to locate a board certified plastic surgeon in your area.
