Are Silicone Gel Implants Safe?

In 1992, silicone gel implants were taken off theproduce wave-like ripples. These ripples occur on
market because of the fear that they could bethe surface of the augmented breast, especially
linked to cancer and connective tissue disorders.with a shift of position. There may also be a
In 2006, the FDA approved their use again.lower rate of capsular contraction with silicone
Subsequently, many women and surgeons havefilled devices as compared to those filled with
opted to use them rather than the implants filledsaline.
with saline. Even though these gel implants haveIn general, no matter what the implant is filled
been approved by the FDA, are they safe forwith, a less than perfect appearance also depends
women to use?on where the implant is placed. Sub muscular
There are two types of implants that have beenplacement takes more time, may be more
approved by the FDA. Saline filled device consistsdifficult to work with and may initially be more
of an outer silicone shell which is filled with salinepainful. However it feels more natural. Silicone
fluid. Silicone-gel filled devices are made of a similarsystems are also less likely to undergo capsular
silicone based shell and filled with silicone gel.contracture or hardening and their placement
In the 1980, there were allegations that siliconeallows for easier imaging of the breast tissue
system could be linked to cancer and otherduring mammogram. Sub glandular placement is
disorders. Several law suits were filed and millionsless painful and it is easier to do again if future
of dollars were paid to settle the resultantsurgery is needed.
lawsuits.The implants and their edges are more easily felt
The FDA then banned the general use of geland seen when placed right under the breast
implants for augmentation, except for womentissue. There is also a higher likelihood of capsular
who required breast reconstruction subsequent tocontraction. It is also harder to image the breast
breast cancer and mastectomy. In 1993, the FDAtissue during the mammogram.
revised this ban and allowed silicon breast systemA major difference between saline and silicon
to be used in clinical studies. During these studies,implant is seen during a rupture or leak and
data was supplied and collected.subsequent leakage problems. If a saline implant
Finally in 2006, the implants were deemed saferuptures, the fluid will be absorbed by the
and the FDA gave a qualified approval for thesesurrounding tissue. The implant collapses and the
gel devices. They did state that women whoremaining capsule can be felt as a lump. The
decide to get implants should be warned by thebreast will lose its shape. If a gel implant ruptures
doctor about the risks. For example, the doctorit may not be detectable and the silicone can
must state that the implants will not last forever.remain within the capsule. It may also leak out to
Furthermore, if the implants are removed thethe surrounding tissue or move beyond the bust.
breasts will not return to their original shape andThe latest development in breast implant surgery
there is a chance that they will dimple, wrinkle oris the memory gel silicone devices filled with a
sag. If the implant is replaced there is a higher riskcohesive gel. This cohesive material formulation
of complications compared to the first time.acts as a unit rather than a liquid. This implant has
So are silicone devices less safe than saline? Manyslowly started gaining popularity because there is
doctors believe that saline systems have ano migration, or running of the gel during a
greater risk because they are more likely torupture.