Silicone breast implants are made from the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. Silicone is not only popularly used as breast implant material, but also a popular material for implants used in facial, joint and drainage system reconstruction. Actually, silicone is involved in many bodily functions. It has been the material used in constructing heart valve and other cardiovascular prostheses, in facilitating nerve regeneration and in treating scars and wrinkles. Silicone can easily adhere to the structure of the human body, which makes silicone breast implants soft and natural feeling. This perhaps explains why this material of breast implant is most popular among patients.
History and Development
Silicone breast implants were first marketed in 1960s. Silicone was then assumed as a biologically inactive element, which therefore have no capacity to cause harmful effects. However, by 1976, amendments to the Food and Drug Cosmetic Act have been done due to the cases of tissue disorder and cancers reported with silicone implants.
In 1992, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) restricted the use of silicone implants to controlled clinical trials. In the same year, the national Institutes of Health performed a follow-up study to fully determine the long-term effects of exposure to silicone implants. Both studies have shown that there is actually no association between breast implants and cancer. Aside from silicone implants, breast implant was not associated with any particular type of implant.
Finally, the FDA approved the use of silicone gel implants in November 17, 2006. The public can expect these implants to be determined as safe and effective. The public is also assured that the FDA will consistently monitor the quality and safety of silicone implants, as it requires implant manufacturers to do post-market studies that will answer the consumer’s many questions, particularly the risks of adverse effects.
Recent Development
More recently, there has been hype on newer silicone gel implants. Many women are monitoring the results of the Food and Drug Administration trials on cohesive silicone gel implants, otherwise known as Gummy Bear breast implants. This next generation silicone gel implants were designed to address the common issues on the quality of standard silicone. Gummy Bears are not loose. They are cohesive, which means that they will never lead in the event that the breast implant breaks. In addition, this form-stable version of silicon are more solid than liquid, which means that have can maintain more attractive, predictable and longer lasting form. Also, they are soft to touch, which allows them to achieve more natural results.
Is silicone safe?
Numerous studies have been conducted to determine the safety of using or wearing silicone breast implants. Many of these studies are localized to gain conclusive evidences against various complaints. However, results of such studies have failed to establish links that associate silicone gel implants with complications like cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic website, silicone breast implants or any particular type of breast implant do not increase the risk of breast cancer. They also do not answer to the weakened immune system, as there were no evidence gathered that the body reacts to breast implants the same way it reacts to foreign elements like bacteria and virus. However, it would be wise to follow your surgeon’s instructions to undergo tests like mammography to evaluate whether or not you are an ideal candidate for silicone breast implants.
Who should have silicone breast implants?
As of November 17, 2006, women of age 22 years and older can qualify for silicone breast implants. In general, silicone implants are not available for general use. Certain steps of medical evaluation need to be followed to ensure safe and satisfying breast augmentation results. Also, women who seek silicone breast implant surgery must have realistic expectations toward the procedure. Otherwise, there will be an increased likelihood that patients will decide to undergo revision surgery for corrections and further improvements. Also, women who underwent mastectomy and women with chest wall deformities are ideal candidates for silicone breast implants. The implants achieve excellent results in replacing and reconstructing the breast tissues that were removed due to cancer or trauma. Also, silicone implants are great alternatives among patients who seek corrective surgery due to unfavorable results with saline.