Silicone Implants Win the Debate

Whether you have breast implants or you know someone with breast implants, you have probably heard about the controversy surrounding silicone. This is particularly true if you were considering implants prior to the ban being instituted by the United States Food and Drug Administration fourteen years ago due to its major impact on a woman’s health. However, in 2006 the ban was lifted after a study conducted by the Institute of Medicine found that silicone did not in fact cause any major illness (i.e. cancer and rheumatoid arthritis) as previously claimed. The results are particularly relevant to survivors of breast cancer as silicone once again became a viable option.

According to a recent study that surveyed 472 breast cancer survivors who had undergone breast reconstruction, more women with silicone implants were happier with the look and feel of their implants than women who opted for saline implants. In other words, the women found silicone implants tend to be more natural and reminiscent of the woman’s own breast prior to cancer and reconstructive surgery. However, a significant drawback to these implants is that they have a tendency to require maintenance down the line, unlike saline implants. Specifically, it is recommended that patients undergo a follow-up procedure known as magnetic resonance imaging in order to probe for potential leaks, although again the substance was not found to cause major illness. Despite the follow-up work down the line, breast cancer survivors persist that silicone is indeed the best option for them as it provides the most natural results affording the patients the opportunity to resume confidence in her appearance.