Breast Augmentation

There are numerous studies to see if the anecdotal claims of women about their silicone implants were verifiable by scientific evidence. These studies have found localized risks associated with all breast implants, but no conclusive evidence to support the claims against implant manufacturers as noted above. Many studies conducted by the Institute of Medicine and other experts have found no connection between implants and the diseases claimed by so many women.

Here is what the Mayo Clinic has to say on their website. "Breast implants don't increase your risk of breast cancer. The IOM reviewed evidence that breast implants don't cause breast cancer or the recurrence of breast cancer. However, it's still essential that you undergo routine screening for breast cancer — breast self-exams, mammograms and clinical breast exams — just as you would if you didn't have implants. Breast implants don't weaken your immune system. When your body detects something foreign in your system, such as a virus or bacteria, it responds by kicking your immune system into high gear. However, the IOM found no evidence to suggest this happens with breast implants. Nor did it find evidence linking implants to any sort of autoimmune or connective tissue disorder. Breast-feeding is safe. If your breast milk has absorbed some of the silicone from the implants, don't worry. Your baby isn't in danger. Because breast milk is the best thing you can feed your baby, the IOM encourages women with implants to breast-feed." Additionally, the American Medical Association reported a Swedish study in February 1998 that there was no link to connective tissue disease.

The FDA has conducted a study where they conclude that extra capsular silicone (from a ruptured implant) can be associated with fibromyalgia. The study relied on a survey of 344 women who filled out surveys asking about their symptoms. Women who reported they had the symptoms were then checked to see if their implants had ruptured. Based on the women reporting symptoms and having ruptured implants, the study assumed a connection. Unfortunately, that is how the plaintiffs prevailed in numerous lawsuits, with no evidence of a cause and effect, just a demonstration of coincidence. More recent studies have also found that women with implants are more likely to commit suicide and more likely to have certain brain cancers. These women might also be more likely to skydive, ride mechanical bulls and bark at the moon but none of the studies showed a cause and effect, just coincidence. Studies have found no link between implants and breast cancer, other than the fact that implants can interfere with detection because of interference with mammography.