Are Silicone Breast Implants Safe?

Are Silicone Breast Implants Safe?

The history of silicone breast implants in the US is a long and controversial one.  Many years after their introduction, women with silicone breast implants began complaining of illnesses and ruptured implant.  In 1992, the complaints led the FDA to issue a moratorium which meant that moving forward, silicone gel implants would be available in the U.S. only for use in clinical trials and for breast reconstruction procedures performed on women who already had these implants and needed a replacement for medical reasons.

After a comprehensive evaluation of the evidence for the Association of Silicon Breast Implants with human health conditions, the Institute of Medicine concluded in June that there is “no definitive evidence linking breast implants to cancer, neurological diseases, neurological problems or other systemic diseases.”  Furthermore, the US Department of Health and Human Services issued this statement:

“For some years controversy has existed over silicone implants used for breast augmentation or replacement after mastectomy. Adverse effects from their use have been widely reported in the popular press, with conflicting information often appearing in the medical literature. This controversy and the attendant publicity led the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first to ban any use of these implants and then to permit limited use, mainly as replacement after mastectomy.

“Silicone is used not only in breast implants but also in implants located literally throughout every part of the body. It has been used: to construct heart valves and other cardiovascular prostheses; to fashion catheters which are used for purposes ranging from drug delivery to cardiac monitoring; in dentistry; in the gastrointestinal tract; as a facilitator for nerve regeneration; in ophthalmology; in the ear, nose, throat, and respiratory tract; as a prosthesis or ingredient in prostheses for many parts of the skeletal system; as a tissue expander; as a cosmetic agent for treatment of scars and wrinkles; in the urogenital tract, including penile prostheses; and in many other applications.”

Source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/cbm/silicone.html

This statement was released after many clinical trials showed no increased risk of breast cancer, connective tissue diseases, neurological diseases or other illnesses in women with silicone breast implants. As a result, the 14-year moratorium on silicone implants ended in November 2006 when the FDA approved the silicone gel breast implants for cosmetic breast augmentation surgery.

Why Choose Silicone Breast Implants?

You may be wondering why, after all of the controversy, would women still opt for silicone breast implants versus saline implants.  Many women feel that silicone breast implants look more natural and feel more natural, to the extent that some say it’s difficult to discern a silicone implant from a natural breast.  Also, silicone implants are less likely to produce the rippling effect, which adds to their natural look.

Because silicone gel is much thicker than saline, it does not more around as much as saline.  Because of this, implants can be placed over the muscle which also gives a more natural look.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both silicone and saline breast implants, and careful thought and consideration should be taken into any decision.  Be sure to review all of your options with your plastic surgeon.

About Dr. Lombardi:

Dr. Lombardi is a Plastic Surgeon in NJ and the founding surgeon of The Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Center in Eatontown, New Jersey. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Lombardi has received highly specialized training in all aspects of cosmetic surgery including Breast Augmentation, Facial Rejuvenation, and Body Contouring procedures. He is trained in the latest cutting edge techniques of cosmetic surgery including laser surgery, Botox, Restylane, and all of the newest facial fillers. In addition, Dr. Lombardi is the first plastic surgeon in Monmouth County to perform Thermage, or the non-surgical Facelift.
To learn more about Dr. Lombardi, visit http://www.doctorsofcosmeticsurgery.com/