Silicone Implants Back Again in Breast Augmentation
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This is the age of constant improvement. Take a look around. That television set that was considered ‘state of the art’ only last year or even a few months ago has been replaced with a sleeker larger model. Yesterday’s awkward cell phone that left a bulge in your purse or pocket has been upgraded to a credit card sized unit that fits anywhere nicely. And silicone has been approved again for use in breast implants after a few refinements.
New and Improved
The silicone implants were restricted from use in breast augmentation in 1992 after it was discovered there were several problems associated with what was touted as the alternative to saline. So back to the drawing board the manufacturers went to improve those faults. And they came back to the respective Canadian and American governments last year with the new and improved models that were passed for use by the general public in breast augmentation, or, as the experts like to call it, augmentation mammoplasty.
After careful consideration, Health Canada made up a list of cautionary points designed with the public’s safety in mind. The restrictions were lifted in October, 2006.
Safe and Effective
As a part of the process, Health Canada formed an expert advisory panel to provide guidance and monitor any and all developments on breast augmentation. It’s the panel’s job to provide medical, scientific, and clinical advice on the safety and effectiveness of silicone breast implants. A report was made public in January of 2006. All the recommendations were geared to both public safety and awareness, and among the most important of them were the following:
- That patients be made aware of the fact that no breast implant is good for life. Also, while the silicone implant is approved and safe for the public to request, it will most likely need to be replaced at some point with a follow-up surgery. In addition, doctors should let their patients know that many operations on any organ will change it irreversibly. Breasts are no exception.
- All manufactures need to submit a yearly report on their product with research findings and reports from healthcare professionals on their use. This information must include every type of implant and be freely available.
- Information about the products must be made available and stressed to patients before the augmentation mammoplasty procedure, and women in particular should be briefed by their doctor on guidelines for breast health.
- Health Canada will establish a national breast implant registry to monitor the effectiveness and safety of breast augmentations in this country.
Healthcare experts and industry professionals have been working together to ensure silicone breast implants are safe and long lasting for all breast augmentation surgeries.
More Breast Augmentation Information
Breast Augmentation at TCC
Getting Ready for Breast Augmentation
The Procedure
Recovering From Surgery
Breast Augmentation and Mammograms
Subglandular Placement
Submuscular Placement
Incision Placement in Breast Augmentation
All About Breast Implants
Gel Filled Breast Implants
Saline Implants for Breast Augmentation
FAQ
Silicone and Breast Implants
