07 Feb How Can I Be Confident That Silicone Implants Are Safe?
If you are considering breast implants, you have probably thought about it for quite awhile. There’s a lot to consider, and you will be making a few decisions in regards to the size, shape, and insertion site. You, of course, will also have to choose what your implants will be filled with.
In the United States, generally, there are two types of breast implants available – saline and silicone. Both silicone and saline implants have an outer shell that is made of silicone, but the big difference is one contains saline, which is mostly sterile salt water and the silicone implants are filled with silicone gel.
The Controversy Over Breast Implants
Without substantial evidence or proof that silicone implants were, in fact, causing health problems related to breast implants, the FDA restricted the use of silicone implants in 1992 specifically to only women having reconstructive surgery after breast cancer. Until 2006, women had no choice other than having saline breast implants.
Silicone breast implants were initially introduced into the medical field of cosmetic surgery in the 1960’s and by the 1980’s they had become extremely popular. As happy as most women were with their silicone breast implants, other women claimed a link between ruptured silicone implants and risks for serious illness. Many claimed their illnesses, such as lupus, arthritis, and fibromyalgia were brought on by the leakage of the silicone into their systems. Upon removal of the breast implants, these women claimed their symptoms disappeared, and consequently lawsuits were filed.
After many years of intensive reviews and rigorous research, the FDA found there was no link between silicone and autoimmune disease. The sale and use of silicone gel implants were reinstated. So, bottom line, which implant is safer? There is no evidence that one is any safer over the other, but each carries with it pros and cons.
What About Breast Implant Ruptures?
Both types of breast implants have the potential to rupture, that’s a fact. A rupture may be caused by surgical error, a car accident, a fall or in rare cases, the pressure from a mammogram. However, with each of the implants, the association is different.
Saline breast implant ruptures are very easily detectable. Over just a few days the salt water leaks out, and the breast quickly changes shape. The fluid that leaks out, saline, is harmlessly absorbed by the body.
Silicone ruptures are harder to detect. When the break occurs, it leaks into the body and can spread into the body. Of course, this may sound scary, but, as mentioned before, extensive studies find no increased risk of disease when and if this were to happen.
Should a silicone implant rupture, your doctor will more than likely recommend that it be removed along with any free silicone.
Silicone ruptures are very often “silent” ruptures, only detectable with an MRI. It is for these reasons that it is recommended that women have an MRI 3 years after the initial implant placement.
You Have Choices In Types Of Implants
Without a doubt, there are many things to consider before deciding the type of breast implant that will be placed, whether it is for reconstruction or augmentation. The good news is that of the over 300,000 women who have breast implants are extremely satisfied with them. Concern for future health issues remains, but research to this day has not found an association between breast implants and disease.
Breast Implant Consultation with Dr. John Park
Allow us to sit down and speak candidly with you about the risks and concerns of breast augmentation. You should feel confident and at ease with your breast implants and all that is involved. The team at Dr. John Park MD Plastic Surgery has the knowledge and experience to help guide you to a safe and pleasing outcome – (949) 777-6883.