Breast Implants: Are They Safe?

Throughout the past several months, many of my Chicago breast augmentation patients have had questions about the safety of breast implants. You might have noticed that there’s been increased media coverage about this topic. Patients want to know if implants are safe–and rightly so.

The answer is a resounding “yes!” There are some important points to keep in mind when you pursue breast augmentation, but the bottom line is that implants are very safe. They are FDA approved and I recommend them to my own friends and family members without reservation.

The implants available today are extremely advanced and, simply put, the best implants ever made. They’re engineered using sophisticated techniques to ensure extreme durability with minimal complications. I offer both round silicone and saline implants, both of which are very safe. Here are some important safety notes about breast implants:

Texture Matters

Several years ago, implants that were teardrop shaped and textured became very popular due to the idea that they looked more natural and caused fewer complications. However, it’s been shown that these implants, once placed in the body, look very similar to smooth, round implants once they’re inside the body. They can also rotate in some patients. Additionally, shaped and textured implants were the only implants that have been reported to be associated with ALCL breast implant lymphoma, which is an extremely rare condition. No ALCL cases have ever been associated with smooth, round silicone implants, which is why I only use this version in my practice.

Long-Term Safety

Many years ago, there was concern that breast implants may be associated with autoimmune disease; this was extensively studied and never shown to be true. A significant amount of research has been done, and never have breast smooth round breast implants been shown to be linked or cause any disease of any kind. They also do not cause any long-term changes to nipple sensation or hinder the ability to breastfeed.

Monitoring Your Implants

I do encourage all patients, with or without implants, to follow the recommendations regarding the frequency of breast self-exams, mammograms, and implant monitoring. The FDA recommends implants be monitored with an imaging test 3 years after placement, and then every 2 years.

We’d love to answer any other questions you might have about breast implants. I invite you to reach out to the practice via our website to request your visit.