As the number of women who undergo cosmetic and reconstructive breast augmentations surgery continues to rise, the benefits and risks of silicone breast implants are important factors to consider.
The question of whether silicone breast implants are safe for use is one that has been debated over the years, and one that is more important now more than ever given the increase in the number of women who have opted for breast augmentation and breast reconstruction surgical procedures. Does this Spark an idea?
What Are Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants are made of a rubber silicone shell filled with a silicone gel. The shape and size of implants vary with the manufacturer.
Safety Concerns
In the 1990s, silicone breast implants were banned by the FDA because of claims that the implants were making women ill and concerns that they increased risks of developing breast cancer and connective nerve tissue disease.
FDA Ban Lifted
In 2006, the FDA lifted the ban on the manufacture and use of silicone breast implants after studies of claims that these implants increased the risk of cancer and disease ended up inconclusive.
Ongoing Studies
Silicone breast implants are now approved for use in women age 22 and older for augmentation surgery, and in women of any age for breast reconstruction surgery. The FDA continues to conduct trials to evaluate the safety of silicone breast implants.
Considerations
Be sure to ask your doctor about the risks and benefits before deciding if this type of implant, and procedure, is right for you.
Tags: breast implants, silicone breast, breast reconstruction, claims that, implants were, number women
