Fact or Fiction: Are silicone implants safe?

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Have the myths about silicone implants stopped you from having plastic surgery?

Exactly how safe is it to have a breast enhancement?

Dr. Anthony Admire, a Board certified plastic surgeon, is busting myths to find out the good and the bad effects:

When were silicone breast implants first used?
The first patient to receive silicone breast implants was in Texas in 1962.

They were immensely popular until the late 70s - early 80s, when the implants were linked to causing pain, cancers and autoimmune diseases.

Didn't the FDA end up banning the implants?
Sort of. In 1992 the FDA called for a voluntary moratorium on the use of silicone implants until new safety information could be reviewed.
 
Later that year, they allowed the implants to be used only for breast reconstruction in controlled clinical studies.
 
In 2006 the FDA lifted its ban after thoroughly reviewing all the studies that showed no link between silicone implants and any diseases.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of silicone implants?
Silicone implants have regained its former popularity for nearly all breast surgeries due to its more natural look and feel (mimicking real breast tissue) when compared to saline implants.
 
Furthermore, the rupture and failure rates are very low, much more so in the current generation of implants manufactured.

Disadvantages?
Really none. However, regular MRIs - three years after implantation, then every two years thereafter are recommended.

An MRI is nearly three times more likely to detect rupture of an implant compared to a physical exam.

When should silicone implants be replaced?
There are no strict guidelines when a silicone implant needs to be replaced, but the implants usually last 10-12 years.
 
"I generally recommend replacement when a rupture is detected or when the breast implant loses its shape and feel," says Admire.

What are the "gummy bear" implants?
This is a nearly solid anatomically-shaped (more fullness at the bottom of the breast) silicone implant that holds its shape, regardless of body position.

This feature allows a near wrinkle-free implant.

This implant was used for a short duration by some plastic surgeons involved in strict clinical studies.

The data is currently being reviewed and the implant is not currently available on the market in the U.S.