Clinical trials were then established to determine the safety of the implants. Until the results of these trials can be reviewed, the availability of silicone breast implants to the general public will remain restricted. Saline filled breast implants continue to be available to the general public for the purpose of breast reconstruction and augmentation. However, the FDA is also conducting ongoing research concerning their safety and effectiveness. This can sometimes cause pain, hardening of the breast, and change in appearance.
Calcium deposits can form in surrounding tissue, and can cause pain and hardening.
Changes in nipple and breast sensation. Reconstruction can be done several ways once the cancerous breast is removed. There are two basic kinds of reconstruction - those using artificial substances and those using your own body tissues. Those using artificial substances would include silicone or saline filled implants, which are placed behind the pectoralis muscle. A variation of the implant procedure is the expander.