[Silicone breast implants: the importance of nuanced reporting]

Silicone breast implants (SBIs) are frequently discussed in the media. Reporting on this topic is commonly characterised by sensationalism and a lack of nuance. SBIs have been linked to autoimmune disease and the controversial disease entity 'breast implant illness'. However, convincing evidence for this association is lacking because nearly all studies examining this association suffer from methodological weaknesses. Among the well-described long-term adverse effects of SBIs are implant ruptures, capsular contractures and the exceptionally rare breast implant-associated large cell lymphoma of the breast (BIA-ALCL). SBIs contribute significantly to the quality of life of many breast cancer patients and women with cosmetic implants. Any potential adverse effect of SBIs must therefore always be carefully weighed against the benefits of SBI-based procedures. In this consideration, evidence based on sound methodology is of vital importance. Oversimplified reporting based on deficient research leads to undue alarm among women with breast implants.