The FDA had previously imposed a moratorium on silicone implants so they were not
available to the first time augmentation patient until April of 2005. Mentor silicone gel
implants now may be used for first time primary breast augmentation ladies later this year
when the FDA comes up with the paperwork that they will require to register and follow
patients who use them. Probably in 2006 the protocols will be worked out and you can have
a silicone gel implant for a first time breast augmentation. Silicone implants are still
used for mastectomy patients desiring a reconstruction, patients having a breast lift with
an augmentation, or patients with congenital deformities. All patients have are enrolled
in a FDA study and followed for 5-8 years. Since we participate in the FDA study Dr.
Jacobsen is able to offer silicone implants for those patients meeting these FDA criteria.
Keep in mind that the gel implants are pre-filled so require a slightly longer incision to
insert them than saline implants.
