Breast Implants

How safe are breast implants?

In 1992 silicone implants were banned.

Now, saline implants are the most commonly used type, but there have been some problems with them as well.

• Within four years 60% of women with saline implants have complications
  
• Within three years 3% suffer leakage causing a deflated implant
  
• Within three years 8% of the implants have to be removed

Other reported risks include:

• breast hardening
• over sensitivity of the post operative scar tissue
• loss of sensation in the nipple or breast that can take up to six months to return to normal
• shifting of the implant from its original position
• interference with mammography readings that may decrease the ability to detect cancer
• pain and disfigurement
• unnatural appearance
• possible infection may lead to medical and surgical interventions
• 5-8% of women who have had breast surgery will experience long term problems

Breast implants are a man-made prosthetic that have a shelf life. Most women who go through this procedure will have to do it again two or three times depending on their age.