Breast Implants: Saline-filled Breast Implants -- Fact Sheet

New York,
NY (February 16, 2000) — A recent study with
a minimum follow-up of ten years shows nearly
96% of women with saline-filled breast implants
would make the same choice again. The University
of Minnesota (UM) multi-center retrospective
study of 450 patients (most for augmentation)
shows that 93% were "satisfied"
or "very satisfied." Still, breast
implant surgery, like all surgery, carries
risks. Plastic surgeons are committed to
fully informed patient consent. Plastic
surgery organizations have worked with the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and consumer
groups to develop comprehensive patient
education materials on the benefits and
risks of implant surgery.

  • The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has
    concluded there is "no definitive evidence
    linking breast implants to cancer, immunological
    diseases, neurological problems, or other
    systemic diseases" (6/2/99).

  • Multiple studies have consistently failed
    to demonstrate that women with breast implants
    have a higher rate of breast cancer, and
    two major studies have shown a lower than
    expected rate. Women with implants in whom
    breast cancer is detected have not been
    shown to have a later stage disease or poorer
    prognosis than other women. Mammography
    with the presence of a breast implant requires
    special techniques and additional x-ray
    views.
  • According to the IOM, the primary safety
    issue is local complications:
    • Capsular contracture--tightening of
      natural scar tissue around the implant that
      can cause breast firmness. Contracture occurrence
      is unpredictable and, when severe, may require
      corrective surgery. Seventy-one percent
      (71%) of patients rated their breasts with
      implants as soft and natural [UM study].
    • Deflation is generally harmless, but carries
      the risk of additional surgery for replacement.
      Current data shows a deflation rate of 5.8%
      for implant models currently in use [UM
      study].
    • Infection associated with breast implantation
      is rare. Potential contamination of saline
      solution is avoided by using a closed filling
      system at the time of surgery.
  • The number of breast augmentations rose
    25% (to 126,913) between 1997 and 1998 according
    to American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
    Surgery statistics.

    • About ASAPS
    The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), is recognized as the world’s leading organization devoted entirely to aesthetic plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine of the face and body.  ASAPS is comprised of over 2,600 Plastic Surgeons; active members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (USA) or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and have extensive training in the complete spectrum of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. International active members are certified by equivalent boards of their respective countries. All members worldwide adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and must meet stringent membership requirements.

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