Breast Implants Causing Diseases: What The Research Says

A question I often hear during consultations is whether breast implants can lead to rare illnesses or disorders. Patients may ask, “Are breast implants causing diseases?” With all the opinions and information online, it’s understandable to be concerned about long-term health and safety. Fortunately, decades of clinical research provide important answers to this question.

What Studies Show About Breast Implants Causing Diseases

Countless studies have been conducted worldwide to examine the safety of breast implants. After more than 20 years of caring for patients and reviewing the medical literature, I can say that there is little evidence to support the idea or concerns about breast implants causing diseases.

One of the largest studies ever performed on the possibility of breast implants causing diseases was conducted by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Their findings showed that while women with silicone implants did report certain rare conditions such as autoimmune disorders, the study concluded that “a causative relationship has not been established.” In other words, an association was noted, but researchers could not confirm that breast implants were the cause.

The Numbers Put It Into Perspective

To better understand the concern about breast implants causing diseases, it helps to look at the statistics. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS):

• Each year, approximately 300,000 women in the U.S. undergo breast augmentation with implants.
• An additional 100,000 women receive implants during breast reconstruction following mastectomy.
• Despite the large number of procedures performed annually, studies consistently show that the rate of developing autoimmune diseases, rare disorders, or other conditions is no higher than in women without implants.

This data demonstrates that while isolated cases of illness do exist, they are extremely rare compared to the millions of women worldwide who have implants without experiencing related health issues.

Understanding Breast Implant Safety

The question of breast implants causing diseases among the most studied medical questions in history. Over the years, safety standards, surgical techniques, and implant technology have advanced considerably. Today’s implants are FDA-approved and undergo rigorous testing before being used in patients. While no medical device is completely without risk, the evidence shows that Mentor breast implants, the brand I prefer for many reasons, is a safe and effective option for both cosmetic enhancement and breast reconstruction.

If you are considering a breast procedure with breast implants and have questions, schedule a consultation and I will be happy to answer any questions you have about the safety and efficacy of today’s breast implants.

By: David N. Csikai, M.D.