Evidence is still lacking about the safety of silicone gel breast implants, according to an article published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
Silicone gel breast implants were removed from the U.S. market in 1992 due to safety concerns. While they were reintroduced in 2006, concerns persist about their association with a variety of diseases. Researchers reviewed 31 longitudinal studies comparing health outcomes in women with and without silicone breast implants. The researchers looked at specific long-term health outcomes, including cancer; connective tissue, rheumatologic, and autoimmune diseases; neurologic diseases; reproductive issues, including lactation; offspring issues; and mental health issues. They found insufficient evidence of an association between breast implants and any health outcome. Experts suggest that further investigation is required to determine whether any true associations exist between silicone gel implants and long-term health outcomes.
Abstract: www.annals.org/article.aspx?doi=10.7326/M15-1169