Breast Implant Safety

Breast implant safety is an important concern for many women considering breast augmentation surgery. Sure, the cosmetic results are desirable, but is the procedure going to put your health or very life at risk? In order to answer this question, it is vital to learn the facts about breast implants, as well as all the scientific evidence supporting their benefits and potential risks.

For information about implant safety when pregnant or nursing, please refer to the breastfeeding resource section.

* How long do breast implants last?

* Breast Implant Mammography

* Are Breast Implants Safe?

* Silicone Implant Safety

* Are Silicone Breast Implants Safe?

* Broken Breast Implant

* Breast Implant Failure

* Breast Implant Diseases

* Illness from Breast Implants

Breast Implant Safety Studies

The modern breast implant has been the focus of innumerable research studies conducted by governmental and private agencies throughout the world. At various times in the last 40 years, breast implants have been linked to a number of health conditions, most notably cancer and connective tissue disease (CTD). It is the goal of these research projects to learn definitively if breast implants are inherently dangerous or if they have been blamed for a number of coincidental conditions. It is clear from the overwhelming variety of clinical studies that breast implants do not cause any particular disease or condition. This is not to say that augmentation surgery is not dangerous or have associated risks. Remember that some women have sensitivity issues to any foreign substance in or on their bodies. Although the components of a modern breast implant are not hazardous, some women might still experience implant related health conditions.

Silicone Breast Implant Safety

Silicone breast implants have been particularly targeted as a cause of health problems, mostly stemming from implant ruptures and subsequent leaking of the interior filler material into the body. While this was a common occurrence for women who received second generation implants during the 1970s and early 1980s, the design flaws have been corrected in later third, fourth and fifth generation silicone prostheses. In addition, although the loose silicone which escaped from the implants should be removed, it was never proven to cause any health concerns whatsoever. Chemical testing shows silicone to be inert and non-reactive to bodily tissues.

The Bottom Line on Breast Implant Safety

Breast enlargement is a surgical procedure. Any operation has risks and possible complications. It is very important to understand and accept these risks prior to undergoing the procedure. Make sure to discuss your proposed surgery with your doctor in great detail, to make sure that you fully understand all aspects of the augmentation or reconstruction process. In addition, read the safety studies for yourself. Your doctor should have research materials and literature available concerning the safety of your implants and the long term results of the breast enlargement procedure. You can also find vast amounts of data available on government health sites and medical association websites. Understanding implant safety must be a priority before undergoing any surgical procedure. If you are considering receiving breast implants to improve your body aesthetics, make sure to take the time to learn the facts for yourself. This knowledge will insure that you do not suffer any psychosomatic problems in the future which might be blamed on your breast prostheses.

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Breast Implant Safety to Breast Enlargement and Breast Reduction Home
11/17/07 Revised 7/7/08