Silicone breast implants are safe, according to the chief scientist for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Devices.

“We felt that way before the meeting, and we continue to feel that way after the presentations and discussions over the past two days,”said Dr. William Maisel Wednesday, chief scientist for the FDA center.

However, there are risks to the implants, Dr. Maisel continued, including ruptures, a hardening of the area around the implants, the need to remove the implants, scarring, pain, infection and asymmetry.

But these risks are relatively rare, and “women should feel assured that the F.D.A. continues to believe that currently marketed silicone breast implants are safe,” said Dr. Maisel.