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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/