The silicone breast implants (also approved for general use) that plastic surgeons use today have a somewhat thicker shell than the implants that were used before 1992. The implants are also filled with a thicker gel made of silicone than the past implants. These The breast implants will come pre-filled with silicone in various sizes and will also be securely sealed so that there is a very small chance of them leaking. When someone mentions silicone with an “e” at the end, they are referring to a group of chemical compounds that vary in thickness from liquid, to gels, to a rubbery consistency. Along with many other things, they contain silicon (no “e”) which is an element, just like nitrogen, carbon, and iron. Silicon is the second most common element on Earth after oxygen, of course. When silicon is mixed with oxygen, it forms silica which is the most common substance on Earth. A typical person would know silica in several different forms such as sand, quartz, and crystals. Silicone is used in many everyday items including lotion, processed foods, soaps, hairspray, and chewing gum.