Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon San Francisco Blog

Serving San Francisco, San Jose, & Walnut Creek, California

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Do Breast Implants Cause or Prevent Cancer?

Cancer is a common concern for prospective breast augmentation patients. Health risks associated with breast implants were once a hot media controversy, but the fuss has calmed since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the widespread use of silicone gel implants in the fall of 2006.

Numerous studies conducted by the FDA and reputable scientific organizations conclude that no breast implants, neither silicone nor saline; increase a patient's risk of cancer.

Breast implants do make it harder for a technician to see your breast tissue on standard mammograms. The implants show up white on the mammogram, making them more difficult to read. But additional x-ray pictures called "implant displacement views" can be used to more thoroughly examine your breast tissue.

Women who have had a mastectomy for breast cancer prior to implant surgery are at lower risk during routine mammograms because they have very little breast tissue left. A mammogram on their reconstructed breast would not be relevant.

For self-breast exams or those performed by your doctor, breast implants should not impede the ability to feel the glandular tissue for lumps - it lies on top of your implant. Following breast augmentation surgery, you should familiarize yourself with the new shape and feel of your breasts. This will help you to monitor changes and check for future abnormalities.

Some studies have even said women with breast implants showed a lower risk of cancer, but the reason for this is not certain.

To learn more about plastic surgery and which procedures and treatments are available to you today, please contact Dr. Weil today to schedule your initial consultation.

posted by Patti at 8:45 AM