Silicone Breast Implants: Silicone Gel Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants have been at the center of controversy for many years. In November 2006, the FDA re-approved the use of silicone breast implants after being banned for almost 15 years. In 1992, the FDA had banned silicone breast implants for use in most cosmetic surgeries, citing concerns over the possibility of complications if silicone breast implants leak silicone gel into other parts of the body. Since that time, the silicone breast implants have been largely replaced by implants filled with saline.

The FDA’s decision to allow silicone breast implants was based on studies by independent scientific bodies and deliberations of advisory panels of outside experts. In addition, the FDA conducted inspections of the company’s manufacturing facilities and found that they comply with the FDA’s good manufacturing practice.

Currently, there are two manufacturers of silicone breast implants authorized by the FDA to conduct testing to determine the long and short-term effects of silicone breast implants. Women who participate in the study must qualify and be willing to have their silicone breast implants monitored in an ongoing manner for a period of several years. In addition, silicone breast implants are available to women who participate in an FDA adjunct study. Women eligible to receive silicone breast implants in the adjunct studies include those who need to have their existing silicone breast implants for a medical reason (such as rupture), women who have had mastectomies and request silicone breast implants rather than saline ones, and those who have medical breast abnormalities. Women who want silicone breast implants strictly for breast augmentation do not qualify for the adjunct studies.

Silicone breast implants are constantly improving through research. Silicone breast implants tend to have a more natural appearance and feel than their saline counterparts, making silicone breast implants a more popular choice when available. To learn more, you should contact a board-certified plastic surgeon.