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Silicone Breast Implants Safe?

asked 4 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Robert E. Zaworski, MD
Question viewed 16,772 times
Tags: silicone implant, risk, safety

need to know more about the safety and whether doctors now recommend getting silicone breast implants

73 answers to Silicone Breast Implants Safe?

+1

The most studied implant in the world .............

We know more about the biological reactions to silicone than any other substance that we implant into the body. It is inert and does not cause auto immune disease. It can cause local inflammatory changes and can be picked up in the lymph nodes. Thankfully we use cohesive gel now.
Grant Stevens, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

marinaplasticsurgery.com

+6

Silicone Breast Implants Cohesive Gel Implant Information

Silicone Gel breast implants in Raleigh, NC: the basics The silicone gel breast implants that we use today are filled with cohesive gel material, which is in a solid rather than liquid state. It's still a silicone gel product, and it still feels soft and breast-like, but it does not ooze out of the implant if the outer shell fails. If you cut a cohesive silicone gel implant in half, you end up with two halves of a solid implant, rather than a sticky, gooey mess. The outer shell... more
Michael Law, MD

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

+5

Silicone breast implants safe

There has been much controversy about silicone breast implants over the years, and these devices have been studied extensively by medical experts. At one time in the late 1980s and early 1990s there was a question of whether silicone breast implants might increase the risk of women developing certain diseases and their use for breast augmentation was restricted. After much study it was demonstrated that silicone breast implants did not increase the risk of these diseases, and the... more
John K. Wakelin III, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon

www.columbusplasticsurgery.com

+5

Silicone breast implants are SAFE! A detailed history.

The modern era in breast augmentation began with the development and surgical implantation of silicone gel breast implants in a woman in 1963. In the 30 years that followed, plastic surgeons worldwide used silicone-gel-filled breast implants for both breast reconstruction and elective breast enlargement in well over one million women. Saline-filled breast implants were also used during this time, but in only about 15% of all patients receiving implants. Breast implants were developed and... more
Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS

Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

www.mpsmn.com

+5

Breast Implants and Augmentation Safety

Silicone gel breast implants were first developed in 1961. Because of some concerns in the 1980s about a correlation of silicone gel with some medical problems, silicone implants were removed from the market in 1993. This was done, unfortunately, before significant studies were performed to prove or disprove any of the allocations against silicone. These studies were subsequently performed, however, and in these major studies, no significant correlation has been found between silicone breast... more
Adam David Lowenstein, MD

Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon
+3

The FDA says silicone implants are safe and effective

The issue of the safety of silicone breast implants was settled in 2006 when the US FDA pronounced that after 14 years of research they had concluded that silicone does not cause any dieases and does not have side effects. Now, nearly six years later more women are choosing to have silicone impants than saline implants. Natioanlly this figure is 60% and in my own practice it is closer to 100%. The only people with detectable high silicone levels in their body are long term... more
Phillip C. Haeck, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

www.faceliftseattle.com

+3

Silicone Implants Are Considered a Safe Choice for Breast Augmentation

No medical device has been studied more than silicone implants.  After review of years of many hundreds of intensive laboratory and clinical studies, the Academy of Medicine concluded there was no evidence that women were becoming ill from silicone gel implants. The FDA agreed with this conclusion and approved the use of silicone gel-filled implants for cosmetic breast augmentation. Because of their natural feel, silicone gel-filled implants have again become the most... more
Paul C. Zwiebel, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon

www.pzwiebel.com

+3

Are silicone breast implants safe?

These are the main points to remember in regards to Silicone breast implants: Based on numerous scientific studies, silicone breast implants have been shown to be safe and effective. Even if the breast implant shell is ruptured, they don't leak and travel through the body. Using MRI, we can detect any leakage and remove the implant without difficulty. Hope this is helpful.
Ali Sajjadian, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+3

Silicone Breast Implant Safety

Best place to start is your particular definition of "safe". 1) Anesthesia/Procedure : Breast Augmentation, one of the most popular aesthetic plasctic surgery procedures performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeons on female pateints desireing breast enhancement, is a tremedously SAFE procedure as long as it is performed in a certified Hospital or out-patient surgery center. 2) Implant composition : You know the answer to this. The previous surgeons on this thread as well as the... more
John Philip Connors III, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+3

Silicone implants safe, if you trust FDA

There are two types of breast implants available: saline and silicone. Saline implants are made of a salt-water solution whereas silicone implants are made of a silicon gel. The latter have come under much scrutiny in the U.S. during the early '80s. The Food and Drug Administration removed silicone implants from the market after numerous women were complaining of odd symptoms. During that period they could only be used for reconstructive purposes. The problem developed from the lack of... more
Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+3

Dr. Jennifer Walden discusses silicone breast implants...

Dr. Jennifer Walden discusses silicone breast implants and provides a follow up visit for a satisfied patient in this ABC News clip. see video
Jennifer Walden, MD

Austin Plastic Surgeon
+2

Silicone Implants are safe

The safety of silicone and saline breast prostheses has been extensively evaluated. I’m a absolutely convinced surgeon of their safety. All implants used currently in breast augmentation in Europe [Spain] and USA have been EMA [AGEMED] and FDA approved (respectively). Since 1963 a loth of breast implant surgeries have been done worldwide, with a high patient satisfaction rate (>90%). Silicone breast implants are with no doubt ones of the most studied medical devices; research... more
Enrique Etxeberria, MD

Spain Plastic Surgeon
+2

Silicone implants?

Much of the final “look” achieved after breast augmentation surgery depends on several factors: 1. The initial shape, size (volume of breast tissue), symmetry of the patient's breasts. In general, the better the preoperative breast appearance the more likely the breast augmentation “look” will be optimal. 2. The experience/skill level of the surgeon is important in determining the final outcome. For example, the accurate and gentle dissection of... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+2

Both Saline and Silicone Implants are FDA approved -5 key points

All implants used in breast augmentation today in the USA are FDA approved and are safe.  The key  element is that all implants placed into the human body have both benefits and risks.  Here the 5 things  you need to consider before you have breast implants for cosmetic breast augmentation: 1. No implant last forever- all implants last about 10--15 years 2. Both saline and silcone implants will have an effect on your breasts long term 3. All implants will... more
Rod J. Rohrich, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+2

Are breast implants worth the risk?

As a patient it can be difficult to sort through all the information out there. My best advice is to select a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Have a consultation. The surgeon or her/his assistant should discuss with you the pros and cons of breast implants. They also have a lot of printed materials that discuss these issues in depth. You can have several discussion visits to further enhance your knowledge and finally make an educated choice... more
Tracy Pfeifer, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

drpfeifer.com

+2

Since silicone implants were pulled by the FDA for...

Since silicone implants were pulled by the FDA for general use, they have undergone rigorous scientific studies evaluating their safety. The results of these studies suggest that the implants are indeed safe and find no statistically significant increase in symptoms of Human Adjuvant Syndrome as compared to a control population. In several recent surveys of U.S. Board Certified Plastic Surgeons, the vast majority supported the return of silicone breast implants and felt them to be not... more
Gregory A. Buford, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Implants are safe

Silicone Breast Implants have been around for 50 years. They have been tested and re-tested over the last several years, and have proven to be very safe. Discuss this with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) to see if you are a good candidate for silicone or saline implants.
Robert E. Zaworski, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

New Silicone Gel Implant Safety

Patients should feel comfortable with selection of the gel breast implants currently approved by the FDA. These implants have been extensively studied for safety prior to being placed on the market for breast implantation. Safety issues are extensively discussed by the implant manufacturers at their websites and we provide our patient with Gel Implant books to read, as well. If saline implants and gel implants provided by the manufacturers cost the same amount, I personally would use... more
Douglas J. Raskin, MD

Colorado Springs Plastic Surgeon
+1

Are Silicone Implants Safe?

Are Silicone Implants Safe? I think you have to answer this question in two ways -First, to address the perceived silicone safety by the public/patients which has not been substantiated by scientific studies and would be rare if any at all. Secondly you have to address if they have ever been proven to be not safe. The first question is most easy to answer. Breast Implants are safe. There is no know toxicity from silicone gel breast implants. It has been studied by the FDA for... more
Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone implants are safe

I have no hesitation in recommending silicone implants. We have so many studies and years of experience in the use of these implants, that we know they are safe from a medical point of view. The majority of my patients desiring breast augmentation are currently asking for silicone gel implants. The rate of leakage is acceptably low so far, and with regular monitoring with an MRI, you can know the status of your implants. The softness and natural feel of gel implants is better than... more
Robert M. Lowen, MD

Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

www.enhanced-you.com

+1

Are silicone breast implants safe?

Silicone breast implants currently in use are very different from the previous generation of implants. All currently used silicone implants are cohesive. This means the silicone molecules stick together making the implant more like a solid than a liquid. That way if the implant breaks, the implant tends to stay in one piece. Studies show that implants do not affect the risk of breast cancer and do not cause systemic disease. This means that implants will not affect your general... more
Frank Lista, MD

Toronto Plastic Surgeon

www.theplasticsurgeryclinic.com

+1

Silicone is safe

In 2006, after much testing, the FDA approved silicone implants. Did you know that silicone implants are the most studied medical device – more than heart valves or joint replacements devices?! Your plastic surgeon can provide you with information regarding their safety and help you decide if silicone implants are right for you.
George John Alexander, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone implants are considered safe

In the early 1990's, silicone implants were pulled from the market by the FDA until adequate studies were done to confirm their safety. There was some concern that silicone gel breast implants could contribute to developing such diseases as lupus, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis. Extensive studies over the past 20 years have shown no correlation between silicone implants and any of these conditions which is why the FDA re-approved silicone gel implants five years ago. The current... more
James McMahan, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone implants made in the USA generally safe

If you are considering silicone breast implants, I would highly recommend getting those made in the USA. Currently there are two manufacturers in the USA that make silicone implants that are approved by the FDA, Allergan and Mentor. I think implants made by either of these two manufacturers are safe. I would avoid products imported from foreign countries. Either silicone or saline implants made by these two manufacturers are equally safe. They have undergone... more
James Tang, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone Implants Are Safe

Both Silicone and Saline implants are safe.  One the key differences is that MRIs are necessary and recommended three years after surgery and then every two years to evaluate for silicone implant rupture whereas saline implants do not require MRIs as saline rupture can be determined by physical examination.  For more information, see drmezrow.com
Craig Mezrow, MS, MD

Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone Breast Implants

  Silicone gel-filled breast implants are arguably the most studied medical devices and decades of research have evaluated their safety and effectiveness. Silicone breast implants were first developed in the 1960s and had a teardrop shape and a very thick outer shell In the 1970’s implants were upgraded to round thin shells filled with a thin liquid silicone gel. This generation of implants was developed to feel soft but they didn’t last and over time... more
Christine Sullivan, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone Breast Implant Safety

Silicone breast implants are safe. Due to questions about safety over the last 20 years, there have been numerous studies, including several of my own, researching the safety of silicone implants and the scientific consensus is that they are indeed safe. Whether your surgeon will recommend silicone versus saline will depend on your preferences and expectations. Also, if you are still worried about the safety of silicone after reviewing studies or if having them will cause anxiety, saline... more
Jeffrey Weinzweig, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone breast implants are safe

The safety of silicone implants has been extensively evaluated, and I am convinced of their safety. Silicone implants have the added benefits of greater softness and naturalness of feel, as well as reduced tendency for visible edges and ripples.
Amy M. Sprole, MD

Wichita Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone Gel implants are very natural feeling

There are unique pros and cons to each type of implant. the best feature of gel implants is their natural feel.  The drawback is that the incision has to be a bit larger than with the saline implants.  The gel implants are lighter as well, and there is much less rippling that is palpable.
Anne Taylor, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Safety of silicone gel implants

The safety of INTACT silicone gel breast implants has been established conclusively. The safety of RUPTURED silicone gel breast implants is a subject with some residual controversy. When the FDA issued its approval of silicone gel implants in November 2006 (after 14 years of restriction on their usage), they recommended that all women with silicone gel implants undergo MRI evaluation of the breasts 3 years after augmentation and then every 2 years for the rest of their... more
Ronald Friedman, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone breast implants are SAFE

Absolutely, silicone implants are safe.  In my practice, nearly every woman chooses silicone for her augmentation.  There is a plethora of data showing the safety of silicone, and I'm completely comfortable with them.  They have the same potential complications as saline implants: deflation, rupture, capsular contracture, extrusion, etc.
Carmen Kavali, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicon vs Saline

Yes indeed silicone implants are just as safe as saline implants.  Over the last fourteen years there has been an enormous amount of research done and well documented studies that show that silicone implants are just as safe as saline implants.
Jaime Perez MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon

www.jaimeperezmd.com

+1

Silicone breast implants are safe

Silicone breast implants are safe.  You can look this fact up through a search of the internet and checking with mentor corporation and allergan corporation's web site.  The department of HEW has a file on silicone implants that you might want to read.  The truth be known, all brain shunts, kidney shunts and heart  pacemakers are made of silicone or encased in it.  To date I am not aware of any patient being allergic to their device or have requested their devise... more
Gary H. Manchester, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.manchesterclinic.com

+1

Silicone implants are safe

Silicone got a bad rap back in "92-'93.  They commissioned an Institute of Medicine Study which found NO correlation to silicone implants and all of the diseases they were alleged to have been a factor in.  At least 400 peer-reviewed medical studies have confirmed this.  The new implants are even better now as the leak rate is much decreased and the gel is designed to not leak from the implant, even in the unlikely event an implant may be damaged. In short, they... more
Jeffrey Roth, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Saline v. Silicone

Many of the women who come to my practice ask the very same question. In the past, there were rumors that silicone implants were unsafe. These rumors were proven untrue by numerous investigations and studies by the Institute of Medicine and the National Institute of Health. Detecting a rupture in the implant is a major difference between the two. If a saline implant were to rupture the solution would dissolve into the body and the implant would deflate, leaving the breast flat. Conversely,... more
Joseph G. Bauer, MD

Alpharetta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Safety of silicone implants

Silicone implants (gel implants) are FDA approved and safe. However, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether saline implants or silicone implants are more appropriate for your body profile, medical history, and lifestyle.
Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS

West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone implants

Silicone breast implants are FDA approved and safe. They have been extensively researched and there has been no link to  autoimmune diseases and cancer. I find that in my practice most women tend to choose silicone implants due to it's more natural feel. It's definitely a patient choice when it comes to choosing implants. But yes, silicone implants are just as safe as saline.
Richard H. Fryer, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone breast implants are safe

Silicone breast implants are safe and effective devices.  The following link from my website discusses this in detail.  I would recommend a thorough discussion with a plastic surgeon to any lady considering breast augmentation.  She needs to understand the differences between saline and silicone implants as they each have their own pros and cons.  Neither device is perfect, each has its own advantages.  In my practice I discuss what I feel each lady needs to know to... more
Evan Sorokin, MD

Cherry Hill Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone Gel Implant Safety

The current generation of silicone implants are the most studied medical devices in the history of the FDA, more than pacemakers, heart valves, knee joints, etc. They are safe and do not cause any of the medical problems that people were attributing to them in the 1990's ( anything from brain cancer to lupus to heavy menstrual cycles). No medical device is immune to wear and tear in your body, but the silicone is completely inert and more of a solid than a liquid. It does not leak into... more
Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD

Barrington Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone breast implants are safe

Breast implants are probably the most studied medical devices in history! 14 years of detailed study have demonstrated that breast impants, including silicone, do not cause diseases, including cancer. The incidence of brest cancer is the same in women without implants, and the stage at detection of cancer is the same in those with and without implants. Silicone is biologically inert and do not react witht he body, nor does the body react to the silicone. Silicone has been used in pacemakers... more
Mark D. Epstein, MD

Stony Brook Plastic Surgeon

www.epsteinplasticsurgery.com

+1

Silicone vs Saline breast implants

The answers offered here are very thorough and give you all the details about the two types of implants. The simple answer to your question is, yes. Silicone implants are completely approved by the FDA and have no safety differences from saline implants in terms of risk for disease of other similar health risks. The main difference is what happens if they break. When saline breaks its like having a flat tire. You'll know pretty quickly since you go flat. With silicone, especially the latest... more
Adam Rubinstein, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone breast implants are safe

The current generation of silicone implants are safe devices for breast augmentation. The controversy stemmed from earlier generation devices which had high rupture rates and low viscosity which resulted in dissemination of the silicone gel throughout the breast. Many lawsuits followed claiming that the silicone gel was responsible for autoimmune diseases. This led to the FDA making a landmark decision. In 1992, the FDA placed a moratorium on silicone gel implants for use in cosmetic breast... more
David Bogue, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

+1

Silcone implants are safe to use for breast augmentation procedures

After much controversy and many lawsuits in the 1980s allegedly linking silicone breast implants to cancer and other autoimmune diseases, the FDA decided to pull silicone breast implants off the market for cosmetic breast augmentation procedures in 1993. However, silicone breast implants were still approved for use in patients for breast reconstruction due to mastectomy or breast cancer. After an extended research period, the FDA found no link between silicone breast implants and any... more
Tarick K. Smaili, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone Breast Implant Safety

When I see clients for a breast augmentation consults we spend a good part of the consult discussing saline and silicone breast implants. I tell them I use both types of implants in my practice and my practice is about 50% of both selections. From the material I have read about silicone implants and my 23 years of implanting and removing silicone implants it is my opinion that their is a low safety risk issue. When breast implants are placed in the body, a thin "tissue like" scar... more
John Ward, MD

Phoenix Plastic Surgeon
+1

Yes, silicone filled implants are safe

Yes, silicone filled implants are safe and effective and are currently the most popular implant in my practice. The main advantage is a softer, more natural feel. The main disadvantage is that, unlike saline implants that go flat when they leak, a silicone implant won't. This makes detecting a leak harder. I have an entire article dedicated to this question on my blog if you would like to learn more: http://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog... more
Joseph Mele, MD

Walnut Creek Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone implants are safe and have a more natural feel

Silicone implants are FDA approved and equally as safe as sailine implants. That is to say, there are risks involved with breast augmentation surgery (as with any surgical procedure), but silicone implants do not add any extra risks. Silicone implants have the added benefit of a more natural "feel."
Usha Rajagopal, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.sfcosmeticsurgery.com

+1

Silicone breast implants are safe

YES! Silicone breast implants are safe. The FDA did the right thing in the 90's by removing the implants from the market and studying them. Conclusion is that they do not cause autoimmune diseases, arthritis or cancer. They would not be back on the market if they were unsafe. The other benefits are that the implants are softer and more natural looking that being said don't use them if it will cause YOU stress or concern.
Irvin M. Wiesman, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone Implants are SAFE

Despite the scare caused by lawyers in the 1990s, there are no scientific studies showing anything wrong with silicone implants. In face, saline implants have the same silicone shell that silicone implants do. It is best to discuss your expectations with your plastic surgeon to determine the best breast implant options for you. Good luck.
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Are silicone implants safe?

Hi there- At this point, silicone breast implants are the most thoroughly researched implantable device around... and the verdict world-wide is that they are absolutely safe. There is absolutely no reason to be concerned that the implants will cause or complicate any particular health condition (including breast cancer). The new gel implants have significant cosmetic benefits, but as I tell my own patients, these benefits may not be worthwhile to you if you are going to be anxious (despite... more
Armando Soto, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.DrArmandoSoto.com

+1

FDA approval for Silicon Gel Implant in 2007 testifies to its safety

In 2007, the FDA, the governmental agency that oversees medical devices, reviewed approximately fifteen years of studies performed by the implant manufactures on the silicon gel implant. Based on this review the agency gave its seal of approval for the safety of this implant. This approval came after the implant had been removed from general use in the early 1990's because of concerns that gel leaking from the implant could possibly lead to health problems. But the aforementioned studies... more
David A. Ross, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone Implants are safe

There has never been any scientific evidence that silicone implants are dangerous, despite vigorous scientific study making them the most studied medical device in history! Most surgeons would say that there is no question silicone implants look and feel more natural than their saline counterparts. I tell my breast augmentation patients that in order to get silicone implants, you have to be comfortable with their alleged safety issues in the past, the fact that they are more expensive than... more
Jeffrey Horowitz, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone Breast Implants are safe

Silicone implants are safe. The FDA would not have allowed their return to the marketplace if they were not. There have been many scientific studies carried out since silicone implants were initially withdrawn form use in the early 1990's. As far as I know, none of these have demonstrated any connection between silicone and any of the diseases that they were blamed for causing. Silicone implants do provide a better result in most cases of augmentation and reconstruction.
John Whitt, MD

Louisville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone implants are as safe as saline

No implant or operation is completely safe. Any implant can get infected, develop capsular contracture, or fail. What fills the implant relative to these possible problems is irrelevant. Silicone implants are aesthetically the best choice in most, but not all patients. If silicone is the best aesthetic choice, feel comfortable that your health will not be compromised by choosing it.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone breast implants safety

Silicone breast implants are absolutely safe. There has never been a study to show that silicone breast implants cause any health risks, cancer or otherwise. Even in the event that a silicone implant ruptures, this poses no health risks. In the U.S., silicone breast implants were restricted by the FDA from 1992 until 2006. After nearly 15 years of scrutinizing silicone implants, the conclusion is that they are safe, and have always been safe. Other countries throughout the world continued to... more
William Bruno, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone breast implants

Silicone breast implants have proven their safety. Over the years, many peer reviewed studies have confirmed that. Newer silicone implants are much safer. You need to be comfortable with the decision of silicone VS saline. So do your homework and decide. Your plastic surgeon will help you with the information needed to make the decision.
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Safety of silicone gel implants

The silicone gel implants were removed from the market for cosmetic surgery indications in the past, not because they were "unsafe" but because there was not enough evidence based on clinical studies to show that they were indeed safe. After accumulating enough evidence in clinical studies, the implants were re-relased onto the cosmetic market 3 years ago. The FDA allowed them to be on the market only because the evidence showed the safety & efficacy of silicone implants. more
Amy T. Bandy, DO

Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone breast implants are safe

Silicone implants have been released back on the market 2 years ago and are safe. The only issues that have ever been shown is that if they rupture there can be an exaggerated inflammatory response which can lead to more scaring or capsular contracture. There have also been questions brought up as to difficulty screening for breast cancer but new studies have not shown that to be an issue
William J. Hedden, MD

Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

www.heddenmd.com

+1

Are silicone breast implants safe?

The FDA re-approved silicone implants for breast augmentation in 2006. There is an arbitrary age limit, however. You cannot receive silicone implants if you are under 22 years of age. Silicone is ubiquitous in nature. All of us are exposed to silicone during our life time. Previously, and this was one of the reasons the FDA removed silicone implants from the market from 1992-2006, was the concern about silicone causing immune disorders (arthritis, lupus, etc.). However, numerous... more
Michael A. Jazayeri, MD

Santa Ana Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone Implant Safety

During your initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will be able to discuss key research papers in the discussion of silicone implants. The bottom line is that silicone implants are safe and pose no additional risk of breast cancer. However, silicone implant rupture is more difficult to identifty on clinical exam. Further, there are differential rates of rupture and capsular contracture between silicone and saline implants.
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone Implants are safe medical devices

I concur with most of the answers posted so far. Silicone implants are safe medical devices. They are FDA approved. But remember, no medical devices last forever. Now that does not mean you will need to change your implants every 5 or 10 years for certain. But each year, there is a small risk of an implant related problem that may necessitate revisional surgery. The bottom line is this: when you accept the benefit of implants, you accept a risk that you may need revisional surgery in the... more
C. Bob Basu, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.basuplasticsurgery.com

+1

Silicone breast implants have been the MOST studied device in American Medical History

To the ever lasting shame of the American Legal Mafia which runs our government and every aspect of our lives, breast implants and especially Silicone filled breast implants have been the MOST EXTENSIVELY studied device in the history of this country. More than pacemakers, heart valves, defibrillators, brain shunts, artificial joints - more than anything. I often wonder how much more could have been discovered and accomplished with the millions wasted to prove a point Plastic Surgeons have... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Is silicone safe?

In a word, Yes. The silicone breast implant is the most studied medical device in United State history. Repeated studies continue to reach the same conclusion. Caveat Emporum, you may find some studies that talk about implants in general and psychiatric problems from other countries. The US seems to have a much better handle on patient selection overall because domestic data refutes this information. Most of us would use a silicone implant on our wives, and mothers if they wanted. And... more
Ricardo A. Meade, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone implants are safe

Hi, Unequivocally, currently utilized silicone breast implants are safe. Over the past 15 years, many large and rigorous studies have been performed investigating whether silicone breast implants are associated with autoimmune diseases or any types of cancer. All studies performed reached the same conclusion; there is no conclusive data supporting any link between silicone implants and these diseases. Only after carefully considering these scientific studies did the U.S. Food and Drug... more
Sam Jejurikar, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone is safe, but consider a hybrid implant

Saline and Silicone are both safe implants. However, the FDA is currently investigating the newest "hybrid" implant on the market. This IDEAL IMPLANT, is a baffled saline implant which was designed to look and feel more like a silicone implant, but without the silicone. You should check to see if there is a plastic surgeon investigator near you.
Kevin Brenner, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone breast implants are FDA approved as safe

The FDA has approved silicone breast implants as safe for implantation (in November of 2006) after being off the market for several years due to fears they could be linked to autoimmune disorders, cancer, and other health issues. These issues were shown in large good studies to be unsubstantiated, and so silicone is once again being used for modern day implants. Some of the greatest risk factors seem to be capsular contracture, or hardening and scarring of the breast tissue. Silicone... more
Scott W. Mosser, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.drmosser.com

+1

Silicone Breast Implant safety

It took more than 10 years and millions of dollars to address this question. The answer came first from the famous 1999 institute of medicine report on the safety of breast implants. The report addressed the breast cancer issue as well as the other related condition e.g fibromyalgia etc. There was no relationship between silicone implants and these medical conditions. It took the FDA another 8 years to clear the silicone implants for use without clinical trials. The issues related to the... more
Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
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Breast implants are safe

Breast implants, both silicone and saline ones, are very safe. No studies have ever shown that any implants have caused any diseases. The new style of silicone implants are even better than ever. The silicone gel inside of the implants is thicker. Thus, even if something happened to the implants, the gel would not move far from the implant.
John Diaz, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
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Mentor memory gel implant safety

Mentor silicone implants currently available are cohesive, meaning that the gel inside them will tend to stay within the shell even if the shell shoule rupture. Recent data showed the rupture rates, however, to be extremely low. Whether the rewards outweigh the risks is a decision that only you can determine after an appropriate and informative consult with a qualified plastic surgeon. I have been using Mentor implants for years and have placed over 500 pairs of Memory gel implants in... more
W. Tracy Hankins, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
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Silicone breast implants are safe

Silicone breast implants were removed from the market back in the early 90's because of concerns that there was not adequte research to deem them safe, even though millions of women had them. Since that time, numerous prospective randomized trials were performed to confirm the saftey of silicone gel implants.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
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The Institute of Medicine concluded that silicone implants do not cause any major health problems.

In 1999, the Institute of Medicine concluded that silicone implants do not cause any major health problems. Research and reports from the last decade have shown that silicone gel-filled implants do not pose additional risks to women’s short-term or long-term health. Silicone implants are approved by the FDA and are considered safe. Breast implants, like most medical devices, are not meant to last a lifetime. When a leak is documented, it is best to remove the affected implants with... more
Stephen A. Goldstein, MD

Englewood Plastic Surgeon
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Silicone breast implants are a safe and more natural feeling alternative to saline implants.

The FDA recently (November 2006) issued an approval that will allow the unrestricted use of silicone breast implants for most women. In the early 1990’s, silicone breast implants were removed from the market due to safety concerns. However, data that has been gathered since that time has proven these implants to be safe. This data was gathered over the last 14 years through an adjunct study that allowed the use of silicone implants for only very select patients. I am one of the... more
David B. Reath, MD

Knoxville Plastic Surgeon

plasticsurgeryknoxville.com

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According to the FDA, the newer generation silicone gel...

According to the FDA, the newer generation silicone gel implants are safe for general use. No longer do patients have to fit into special catagories to have these products used rather than saline. There have been no medical devices studied more extensively by the FDA than gel implants.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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