Breast Augmentation: Silicone Implants Are As Safe As Saline

If you have avoided getting silicone implants since hearing that they were unsafe years ago, know that now you can safely get them. The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, has approved their use among plastic surgeons, which means you now have a choice between silicone and saline implants instead of having to use the latter material only. Find out more about this issue before you make your decision prior to breast augmentation.

In the early 1990s, the FDA claimed that there was no proof that silicone was safe for use in breast augmentation. In fact, they claimed that they could cause cancer or lupus, but today's studies show that there is no evidence to back up this claim. This means that you now have a choice between this material and saline, which was the only option for several years. The new availability is good because many claim that silicone actually produces the most real looking results, so if you want the most natural look, you should be interested in this news.

However, the FDA has requested that women who get this type of implant take part in a long-term study to find out just how safe and beneficial it is. This is because, despite the fact that this substance does not cause cancer, about one in five women who have gotten this kind of implant had to have it removed within a decade. The results of breast augmentation should last longer than this, which is why this trend is troubling. While this material does not necessarily cause diseases, it does tend to rupture or wrinkle over time, causing deflated or oddly textured breasts. In addition, the tissue may harden around this kind of implant, resulting in hard scar tissue and weirdly shaped breasts, which is why some women have to get the device removed. However, saline implants can face similar problems, so there is no guarantee that choosing one material over the other can avoid any issues.

Your first consultation with a surgeon should give you some ideas of which type of implant to choose. Your doctor will probably go over the pros and cons of each with you so that you can make an informed decision. While silicone is considered safe and natural looking, the statistics show that some women have to get them removed at some point due to the problems described. If you wish to avoid many of these issues, and do not mind not getting the most natural look, you may opt for saline instead.

In general, the studies show that both choices are safe and can produce an attractive look. However, each has its drawbacks and advantages, which you can learn from your doctor. You may also benefit from asking others who have gotten breast augmentation what their experience is, as you might know a few women who have undergone this procedure. If you want the best results, you should do some research before making a decision, but know that both choices are considered equally safe.

This article is not medical advice and should not be construed as such. For a professional medical opinion, visit a plastic surgeon.