Silicone Implants Today

    PHOENIX, AZ, November 16, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In the early 1990s, silicone breast implants were temporarily banned from use in cosmetic breast augmentation. The concern was that the implants were causing all manner of nonspecific illnesses, including autoimmune disorders, connective tissue disorders, fibromyalgia, infertility, birth defects, and more. A number of women came forward with these symptoms after breast augmentation with silicone breast implants, and many of them participated in a huge class action lawsuit that resulted in bankrupting Dow Corning. Dow Corning only emerged from bankruptcy in 2004, just two years before silicone breast implants were re-approved for use in cosmetic breast augmentation. The FDA concluded that silicone breast implants were not connected to any discernible increase in risks of the disorders claimed.

So, now that silicone breast implants are back on the market, how are they different from previous breast implants?

Cohesive Gel

The main difference between current breast implants and those used before the ban, is that modern breast implants are made with what is called "cohesive silicone gel." Although these are not the fabled "gummy bear implants" that still have not won approval from the FDA, the cohesive gel implants can be cut and, in theory, no silicone gel will leak out. The cohesive gel is also supposed to stop the migration of silicone through the implant shell, which was suspected as a contributing factor in capsular contracture among breast augmentation patients.

In practice, it is likely that the silicone gel will thin over time and some of it will likely leak if the breast implant ruptures.

Thicker Shells

Another major design change in modern breast implants is the thicker shell used in current breast implants. This is designed to reduce the risk of rupture, making them longer-lasting, and, again, decreasing the risk that silicone gel will leak.

No Risks for New Silicone Breast Implants?

Not so fast. Although there have been a number of design improvements in the current generation of silicone breast implants, they are still associated with a significant number of local complications, rates that increase over time.

In June 2011, the FDA released its update based on the results of postmarketing studies of silicone gel breast implants. On the positive side, it stated that now there is enough evidence to suggest that women can make a truly informed decision about breast implants. On the negative side, it concluded that local complications and adverse outcomes associated with breast implants were "frequent" and that "Women with breast implants will need to monitor their breasts for local complications for the rest of their lives."

This is comparable to the FDA's statements on saline breast implants. For many women, the benefits of silicone breast implants are well worth the risks.

If you are considering breast implants in Phoenix, Arizona, please visit the website of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bryan Gawley for more information at www.gawleyplasticsurgery.com.

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