What’s The Problem With Breast Implants?

Silicone breast implants became a big issue during the 1990s. Many women claimed that their silicone breast implants were causing them a variety of critical health complications, despite manufacturer’s claims that their silicone products were entirely safe.

Due to the number of rising claims against the implants, the FDA banned their use in the market from 1992 – 2006. Many of the manufacturers of this product abandoned the market, went out of business, or had to file for bankruptcy in order to relieve themselves of the lawsuits that were piling up against them. Despite the doubt that many critics still maintained, the FDA allowed silicone implants to be used again in the market in 2006.

What is the FDA saying about the issues surrounding breast implants?

In March of 2017, the FDA updated its public information about their understanding of the risk associated with using silicone breast implants in relation to the risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma. According to the FDA, this type of cancer formation is more likely to occur in patients whose implants contain textured surfaces. It has been reported that the FDA received over 350 medical device reports of BIA-ALCL. Nine of those incidents have included death.

What is the Difference Between Silicone and Saline Breast Implants?

While all breast implants contain silicone in their outer shell, they differ depending on the material that is used to actually fill the implant – the implant can be filled with either saline or silicone. Saline is comprised of sterile salt water and silicone is a sticky and thick silicone gel. Silicone more closely resembles human body fat. Many women opt for silicone-filled breast implants, since they feel and look more like natural breasts than the saline filled implants.