Loading...
The FDA announced an end to its 14-year ban on silicone gel breast implants for both reconstructive and cosmetic purposes, although in the latter case women must be at least 22 years old. The silicone implants had been taken off the market because of safety concerns, but a 1999 report from the Institute of Medicine concluded that their use was not associated with increased risk for connective tissue disease or cancer.
When silicone implants became unavailable, saline-filled implants gained wide use among U.S. women. However, many plastic surgeons and women feel that silicone implants have superior cosmetic and tactile qualities. In Europe, silicone implants have remained available and are more widely used than saline implants. The FDA warns …