Given recent studies, how are breast implants still considered safe? Source: MD Anderson Study

Question

I was excited to get implants until I learned about Breast Implant Illness. I’ve done a massive amount of research from credible sources. It is logical that implants are not natural and that the body will see them as a foreign object and thus create an immune response. That’s how the scar tissue “capsule” is formed around the implant. The body could therefore stay in “defense” mode due to this immune reaction, making patients have BII symptoms and develop autoimmune diseases. How is this safe?

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

People don't do research, experts in their field do research. Google is not a tool that researchers use in fact, and most importantly, it doesn't distinguish or rate the quality or veracity of the search results. To make matters worse, most lay people don't understand basic biological processes and read into it as they will when presented with information they truly don't understand. BII is not a recognized disease, and there is no data to support it in the literature, and that's why there are two concurrent trials looking specifically at BII that are ongoing. Preliminary results that have been peer reviewed and published seem to indicate there is no biologic/physiological evidence of BII. Further, breast implants are the most scientifically investigated medical devices on the planet and there is little data to support this concept of BII. If the foreign body reaction was the cause of BII, then people with heart valves, prosthetic hips and knees, and others with implantable medical devices would also be having BII. If silicone compounds were the cause of BII, then those with brain shunts, chronic indwelling urinary catheters, and assorted prosthetic devices like testicular implants and cheek/nose/chin implants would also experience BII. Breast implants are safe.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Breast implant illness remains a mystery despite ongoing research. Now they think it’s from trace metals like platinum in the silicone. We still don’t have good answers and most plastic surgeons will defend implants as being safe. That’s why a use saline. A bit more peace of mind

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

There have been numerous studies on the safety and efficacy of silicone breast implants. The FDA has approved them to be safe and breast augmentation is the most common cosmetic surgical procedure performed in the United States every year. Implants are much different than they used to be with rigorous testing and cohesive gel. I can't tell you how happy my breast augmentation patients have been with their implants.
I would recommend a consult with a plastic surgeon to go over all of your concerns. Saline implants are also a perfectly good option if you are still concerned and are less expensive.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Felix Omar Márquez, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for your interesting question. The patient must have the best information before going to the operating room. As you may know, any surgical procedure has risks, so "safety" depends on many factors such as your health condition, the surgeon's expertise, the quality of the implants, the procedure itself, the post-op process, and the follow-up, among other factors. If you are a good candidate and take care of yourself, you may have safe practice and great results. Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to have a complete exam. Good luck!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, you are correct. However, the stresses and toxins to our body come at us daily in air, water, food, chemicals, cosmetics, drugs, tattoos, and often at work. Recent studies have shown heavy metals concentrated in the capsules, even with saline implants, in women with symptoms of BII. Many heavy metals are found in hair dyes and tattoos, with known harmful chemicals and metals.  It still is hard to say that the implants themselves have caused all the issues, but the capsules do appear to collect stuff.  If you are worried, don't get implants.

Given recent studies, how are breast implants still considered safe? Source: MD Anderson Study

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