ASPS studies re-evaluate psychological benefits and health concerns of silicone breast implants

January 3, 2008
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

Plastic surgeons are re-evaluating past scientific findings and developing new knowledge about the effects of silicone breast implants. A recent supplement to Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), sheds new light on the psychological impact and health concerns of silicone breast implants.

Body Image

One review of important recent studies refuted a common perception - women who want breast augmentation do not suffer from lower overall body image than other women.

"Breast augmentation patients do not have a poorer overall self-image, nor are they more self-critical and preoccupied with their appearance than other women," said Mary McGrath, M.D., ASPS Member Surgeon and study author. "It appears it is their significant dissatisfaction with their breasts that serves as the motivation for surgery, not a poor overall body image."

The positive effect of breast augmentation on women's thoughts and feelings is also limited to their breasts. After surgery, they report being less embarrassed about their breasts and spending less time feeling upset about and camouflaging their breasts.

Cancer Risk

While some studies have raised concerns about the potential link between silicone breast implants and breast cancer, others have suggested the implants could cause other types of cancer (cervical, vulvar, lung, etc). A National Cancer Institute (NCI) review of past epidemiologic studies showed little support for an increased risk of cancer among breast implant patients.

"At present, there is no convincing evidence that breast implants alter the risk of cancer," said Louise Brinton, Ph.D., NCI, and study author. "The few increases in risk that have been noted in studies appear to be largely attributable to lifestyle characteristics of the women, such as smoking, rather than the implants."

Effect on Breast-feeding

Despite the overwhelming advantages of breast-feeding, some women with silicone breast implants may fear silicone could be passed on to their child, possibly affecting growth and development. However, according to a study, that measured silicon as an indicator of silicone, the levels of silicon found in lactating mothers with implants, as compared to lactating mothers without implants, was not significantly different.

"Our findings suggest there is no difference in silicone levels in the breast milk of women with silicone breast implants than in the breast milk of women without implants," said John Semple, M.D., ASPS Member Surgeon and study author.

More than 329,000 breast augmentations were performed in 2006, according to the ASPS. For the first time since ASPS began collecting statistics in 1992, breast augmentation was the top cosmetic surgical procedure performed.