31 janvier, 2007 16:43

Philadelphia, PA (AHN)- Silicone breast implants, which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned fourteen years ago, have returned to the operating tables of cosmetic surgeons. The FDA gave the green light towards the end of 2006 and the implants are now being seen more and more.

Silicone gel-packs are said to be superior to saline-filled packs. Women are not shying away from the past controversial implants, even though the FDA labeled silicone packs as "reasonably safe," according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Crystal Clenfuegos, the spokesperson for Allergan, Inc., a manufacturer of implants, said, "Approximately 90 percent of women prefer silicone over saline in countries where both options are available."

Even though the FDA determined that the original fears relating to silicone implants were speculative and exaggerated, there are risks to be considered.

Percentages of complications arising from breast implants are high, but women don't seem to mind, placing their beauty over health. Allergan records reveal that within fours years after the cosmetic surgery, 41 percent of first-time patients experienced complications. In addition, 23 percent experienced rupture, pain, swelling, hardening, scarring, and other problems that required another operation. Complete replacement of the implants was as high as 57 percent.

Additional problems are arising also, in that women are going for "bigger" implants. As reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer, plastic surgeon, Walter Erhardt, of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' public education committee, stated that, "Long-term, the heavier the implant, the more wear and tear on the breast and the back."

Breast implants cost an average of $5,000 and can be as high at $10,000, but demand for the cosmetic surgery rises each year. According to U. S. statistics, approximately 3.7 million women have breast implants.