Are silicone implants safe for breast augmentation?

• The internet can be a very scary place!  Unfortunately, you can find a lot of misinformation on the web, especially concerning silicone implants. 
• The overwhelming majority of women are very happy with their silicone implants, otherwise I wouldn't place them!  For many women, their quality of life has been improved, rather than "ruined," as you may have read in some internet posts...
• Silicone implants do not cause any systemic diseases or health problems. Interestingly, silicone implants are one of the most studied "medical devices" out there! From 1992-2006, due to health concerns, the FDA decided that silicone implants could not be used for cosmetic breast augmentation surgery, and only patients undergoing breast reconstruction for cancer could have silicone implants placed. 
• During this time, thousands of women in the U.S. who had silicone implants were studied. Numerous advisory panels concluded that silicone implants do not cause health issues such as rheumatoid arthritis or autoimmune disorders, and they were indeed safe to use for breast augmentation. Thus, in 2006 the FDA granted permission to bring silicone implants back on the market for cosmetic breast augmentation use. 
• Silicone implants usually feel more natural than saline implants, and they are less likely to show rippling through the skin.