Breast implants and your health
Breast implants are used to enlarge breasts or reconstruct breasts after mastectomy. Implants can be filled with saline solution, silicone solution or an alternative such as soya oil. Complications may include scarring, swelling, rupture and leakage, and can occur with all forms of breast implants. However, despite a lot of controversy on this issue, there is no evidence to link silicone-filled implants with cancer or autoimmune diseases. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is the Federal Government organisation responsible for approving the use of medical devices and medications. The TGA has approved certain varieties of both saline and silicone-filled implants for use in Australia. Breast implants are also available in a variety of shapes, including round and teardrop shapes. The use of silicone implants in Australia was once restricted. In the 1980s, concerns were raised that silicone leaking from breast implants may be associated with an increased risk of a range of conditions, including autoimmune disorders and cancer. The most commonly reported condition was scleroderma, a thickening and hardening of the skin and other connective tissues. Extensive reviews have established no evidence linking silicone breast implants to cancer or autoimmune disorders such as scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. In June 2001, the TGA approved certain varieties of silicone breast implants for use in Australia.