Since the development of silicone implants, there have been many questions as to the safety of such material being put into the bodies of women. In 1992 the use of silicone implants was banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to the FDA, the ban was lifted in 2006 due to extensive studies conducted on the safety of silicone. Currently, only two corporations manufacture silicone implants, and both are monitored for safety measures. While the use of silicone implants has been deemed safe, there are still issues that can occur.
Product Manufacturers
The two corporations responsible for the production of silicone implants for women are Allergan Corp. and Mentor Corp. Both corporations have a limited warranty on their implants. It is important to keep in mind that silicone implants have a lifespan of about 10 years. Considering that implants are a type of cosmetic surgery, your insurance may not cover surgery to remove or replace your implants should they be defective.
Breast Alteration
When you decide to receive breast implants, the size of the implant will eventually alter your normal breast tissue. As your body ages, the shape and texture of your breasts will change. According to the Mayo Clinic, if your breasts develop changes due to your implants, you may need further surgery to correct your breasts. Also, if you should ever decide to remove your implants, your breasts will never be the same.
Possible Leakage
If your silicone implant should rupture, the silicone gel would leak into your breast and pool there. This would make the detection of a leak difficult to discern. When a saline implant ruptures, you would notice due to the deflation of your breast. The only way you could detect if your silicone implant ruptured would be with an imaging test by a physician.
Capsular Contracture
In some women who get implants, an occurrence known as capsular contracture can develop. According to the Mayo Clinic, when you have capsular contracture, your implant will develop scar tissue around it--that is, the implant will become encapsulated by the scar tissue and eventually will become constricted. As a result, you can develop painful symptoms and possible disfiguration of your breast. Only surgery can correct any damage resulting from this condition.
Risks
In rare occurrences, it is possible to develop a hematoma (pooling of blood) within your breast. If this occurs, you will need surgery to remove the hematoma. At times an infection may occur within your breast if your body rejects the implant. Surgery is necessary to remove the implant and clean out the infection within the breast. When you get silicone implants, your breasts may be slightly off balance. If this occurs, your plastic surgeon will conduct further surgery on your breasts to align them. Loss of nipple and breast sensation may occur with your breasts, as well as the development of breast pain.
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