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Review Sheds Light on Safety of Silicone Breast Implants

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January 8, 2007

In November 2006 after a 14-year ban, the Food and Drug Administration re-approved silicone breast implants. The ban was implemented over concerns that silicone implants caused serious health effects like cancer, and some of those concerns are still raised today.

However, several recent reviews are shedding light on both the health and psychological effects of silicone breast implants. The reviews appear in a supplement to Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and address:

- Cancer risk
- Body image
- Breast-feeding

Cancer Risk
Some studies have highlighted a potential risk of certain cancers with silicone breast implants, but a recent review of past studies by the National Cancer Institute shows little support of the link between breast implants and an increased cancer risk.

“At present, there is no convincing evidence that breast implants alter the risk of cancer,” said Louise Brinton of the NCI and author of the study.

Body Image
A common misconception is that women who want breast implants suffer from a lower self-image than other women, but researchers say this isn’t the case.

“Breast augmentation patients do not have a poorer overall self-image, nor are they more self-critical and preoccupied with their appearance than other women. It appears that it is their significant dissatisfaction with their breasts that serves as the motivation for surgery, not a poor overall body image,” said study author Dr. Mary McGrath.

Breast-Feeding
Women with silicone breast implants sometimes fear that they will pass silicone to their child through breast-feeding, and that this will cause their baby to suffer developmental delays.

However, one recent study showed that the amount of silicon, an indicator of silicone, found in the breast milk of with implants was similar to that found in women without implants.

Considering Breast Implants
Let a board certified plastic surgeon help you explore your options. Contact us today to find an experienced and reputable surgeon near you.