Are Silicone Implants Safe for Breast Augmentation?
In the early 1990’s it was reported that silicone breast implants were responsible for connective tissue diseases in some women. After a comprehensive evaluation of the evidence for the Association of Silicon Breast Implants with human health conditions, the Institute of Medicine concluded in June that there is “no definitive evidence linking breast implants to cancer, neurological diseases, neurological problems or other systemic diseases.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states: “For some years controversy has existed over silicone implants used for breast augmentation or replacement after mastectomy. Adverse effects from their use have been widely reported in the popular press, with conflicting information often appearing in the medical literature. This controversy and the attendant publicity led the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first to ban any use of these implants and then to permit limited use, mainly as replacement after mastectomy. “Silicone is used not
