All you need to know about breast silicone implants
 What is Silicone?
Silicone is derived from silicon, a semi-metallic or metal-like element that in nature combines with oxygen to form silicon dioxide, or silica. Beach sand, crystals, and quartz are silica; in fact, silica is the most common substance on earth. Heating silica with carbon at a high temperature can produce silicon. Further processing can convert the silicon into a long chemical chain, or polymer, called silicone – which can be a liquid, gel, or rubbery substance.
Silica is the most common substance on earth.
Various silicones are used in lubricants and oils, as well as in silicone rubber. Silicone can be found in many common household items, such as polishes, suntan and hand lotion, antiperspirants, soaps, processed foods, waterproof coatings, and chewing gum. The FDA has approved many medical devices made of silicone, including replacement heart valves, and now the re-entry of silicone gel-filled breast implants.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants have a silicone rubber shell that is filled with a fixed amount of silicone gel. Silicone implants come in smooth or textured shell surface and vary in shape, profile, volume, shell thickness, and number of shell lumens. Most silicone gel-filled implants are not adjustable which is one disadvantage compared to saline implants.
 Benefits and Realistic Expectations
Breast size and shape are important and should be a focus of discussion with your surgeon before surgery takes place. Many women believe they will be too large after surgery and therefore direct their surgeon to choose a smaller size than what they really desired. You will likely become more comfortable with your new breast shape after surgery and some women have wished they had opted for a larger size. On the other hand, some women are unrealistic and desire a larger implant than fits their body.
Your body's size and characteristics, along with your desire for a specific shape and size, will usually dictate what is possible. You should be aware that after implant surgery one woman's breasts will be different than another's even though the same implant size and shape was used. Also be aware that each woman's body is different, and before and after photos of women who have had breast implant surgery, often shown on web sites, do not apply to you.
You should reach an agreement with your surgeon before surgery as to realistic choices. You should also understand that the female breast will change over time, and your breasts will sag and droop with age and lose some volume over time. Additionally, you should understand that the breast size that you desire and the implants that you choose today may not be the same as what you might choose at a different stage of your life. In the future you may need a change of implant and breast shaping to achieve your desired result at that time.
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding
The presence of a breast implant will have no effect on your ability to become pregnant, deliver a baby, or even breastfeed. Breast implants have not been shown to have an effect on children or future offspring.
Breast milk is the best food for babies. Many women with breast implants have successfully breast fed their babies.
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