Breast augmentation is an increasingly popular cosmetic surgery. This procedure involves the insertion of a medical device called a breast implant. Breast implants come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but there are only two basic types: saline and silicone. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that while there is not definite evidence linking breast implants to illnesses such as joint pain and autoimmune disease, most patients will experience complications including pain, capsular contracture or rupture.
The jury is still out on the safety of silicone breast implants.
History
Silicone breast implants were pioneered by two plastic surgeons from Texas in the early 1960s. The FDA began regulating medical devices in 1976, however, since silicone breast implants had already been on the market for more than 15 years these devices were grandfathered. A 1984 court case linked silicone breast implants to auto-immune disease. In 1992 Pamela Jean Johnson won a $25 million lawsuit claiming her ruptured silicone implant contributed to mixed connective tissue disease, chronic fatigue, joint pain and other symptoms. In 1994 the Mayo Clinic published a study that found no link between silicone implants and connective-tissue disease. In 1999 the Institute of Medicine concluded that while silicone breast implants may cause such problems as scarring of breast tissue, they do not cause or contribute to the development of any major disease such as arthritis.
Effects
Breast augmentation surgery involving the insertion of silicone breast implants does involve the risk of certain complications. The surgery itself entails the risk of scarring, infection, bleeding and complications associated with anesthesia. Silicone breast implants can rupture resulting in the silicone filling leaking into the body cavity. Capsular contracture, breast pain, changes in nipple sensation changes, and asymmetry of the breasts are other common complications.
Benefits
Many women choose silicone breast implants over saline filled implants because silicone implants are softer to the touch and have a more natural feel. Because silicone is more viscous than saline it is not as likely to ripple.
Considerations
Silicone breast implants will not last a lifetime. The vast majority of women who have silicone breast implants will have to have them removed either because of rupture or some other complications at least once. Some changes made to the breast during breast augmentation surgery may be aesthetically unpleasing and irreversible.
Warning
Even though the FDA has approved the use of silicone breast implants for women over the age of 22, there is anecdotal evidence that these implants may contribute to a variety of complications including fibromyalgia accompanied by widespread pain in joints, muscles and tendons. Other complaints by women with silicone breast implants include arthritis, chronic fatigue, nausea and muscle cramps.
Tags: breast implants, silicone breast implants, silicone breast, breast implants, augmentation surgery
