Despite FDA lift on Silicone Breast Implants, Some are Skeptical

Tulsa World ; Wright, Jason Ashley
Although the Food and Drug Administration has removed its ban on silicone breast implants, several companies that make the implants will be mandated to perform follow-up studies.

Allergan Corp. and Mentor Corp. will be required to head the studies, which will track around 40,000 women for a decade after they have gotten implants. Plastic surgeon Dr. Bryan Whitlock also suggests that women speak with a couple of physicians. As for deciding what size implant to get, everybody begins with a different volume. Whitlock states that the typical implant he provides is 390 cubic centimeters. He cautions that the bigger the implant is, the more likely it will become noticeable, and bigger implants place greater pressure on the skin and create ripples. Whitlock stresses that silicone implants have improved in that the silicon has become more cohesive, so it will not leak if the shell ruptures. Some surgeons and patients feel that silicone implants are better than saline in that they have a more natural appearance and feel.