What is a Breast Implant?

Frequently Asked Questions

A breast implant is a sac (implant shell) of silicone elastomer (rubber), which is surgically implanted under your chest tissues.

There are two basic types of breast implants:

Saline-Filled Breast Implants

The saline breast implant is inflated with a saline (salt-water) solution through a valve. Saline is much like the fluid that makes up most of the human body. There are two types/families of implants filled with saline — one referred to as Saline-Filled and the other referred to as Spectrum™ implants. The Saline-Filled family of implants has a self-sealing valve located on the front (anterior) of the implant that is used for filling the device. The Spectrum™ family has a valve on the back (posterior) of the implant that allows saline to be added after surgery (postoperative adjustability). Mentor's Spectrum implant is a saline-filled breast implant that lets your physician adjust the size of your breasts after your surgery. In a simple office procedure, your physician can change your implant size by either adding or removing saline for up to six months after your surgery.

Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants

A silicone gel-filled breast implant is filled with silicone gel, a soft-solid substance. Learn more about MemoryGel™ breast implants here.