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Safety of Silicone Breast Implants

Safety of Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants were re-approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2006 after a 14-year ban and numerous clinical studies, but concern over the safety of the implants is still a lingering issue.

In an attempt to shed light on the effects and benefits of silicone breast implants, plastic surgeons have recently reevaluated past scientific findings, and a report has been published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) on the safety of Breast Augmentation

The Risk of Cancer
Although studies done in the past have associated certain cancers with silicone breast implants, recent research done by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has shown that such a link is unfounded. ?At present, there is no convincing evidence that breast implants alter the risk of cancer,? states Louise Brinton, the author of the study.

The Issue of Body Image
Another study looked at the relation between low self-image and the decision to get breast implants. The study found that, contrary to popular belief, there is no connection between poor body image and breast surgery. According to Dr. Mary McGrath, author of the study, ?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.?

Silicone?s Effect on Breast-Feeding
Women typically believe that silicone will be harmful to the child when they are breast-feeding and prevent their child from developing normally. However, a recent study on silicone and its effects showed that the amount of silicon?an indicator of silicone?found in the breast milk of women with silicone implants was similar to the amount found in women who didn?t have implants.

Silicone Implants
Women who are interested in silicone breast implants should discuss their options with a board certified plastic surgeon. Several brands are now widely available for use in women over the age of 22, and a qualified plastic surgeon will be able to explain the benefits and drawbacks of each.


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