Patient Safety

All surgery has risk. Breast implant surgery is no different. Silicone breast implants in particular have been the focus of much scrutiny. A review of the current scientific literature supports the use of silicone gel-filled implants as a choice for women seeking breast implant surgery. However, like all surgery, breast implant surgery may pose some risk. And like all medical devices, breast implants are not meant to last a lifetime. Women need to be aware that they have a responsibility to maintain good breast health with an annual mammogram and follow-up visits with their plastic surgeon.

Saline-filled breast implants have always been safe, a fact that has been supported by more than 30 years of clinical experience throughout the plastic surgery community. Research and reports from the last decade have shown that silicone gel-filled implants do not pose additional risk to women’s short-term or long-term health.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery encourage women to have all available and accurate information about breast implants and support informed decisions based on documented safety and effectiveness.

Women interested in breast augmentation should research the procedure thoroughly and select a doctor certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

For more information and referrals to ABPS-certified plastic surgeons, visit the ASPS web site at www.plasticsurgery.org or call 888-4-PLASTIC (888-475-2784), or visit the ASAPS web site at www.surgery.org call 888-ASAPS-11 (888-272-7711).