title: Breast implant materials: sense and safety.
abstract: Cosmetic breast augmentation, and post-mastectomy breast reconstruction surgery using synthetic implants, have become established in surgical practice over more than 20 years. The operative technique for implant placement have changed somewhat during this time, as many different implant presentations have become available, but the same basic materials have remained in use. We have reviewed the present state of knowledge about breast implant materials with particular reference to the possible connection between polydimethylsiloxane and polyurethane to the so-called "Human Adjuvant Disease", and to carcinogenesis. Problems related to capsular contracture and mammography are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Wexham Park Hospital, Stourbridge, UK.
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Dunn
authors.forename: P N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Khoo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001168:Arthritis / Q000139:chemically induced; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000009:adverse effects; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012449:Safety; D012826:Silicone Elastomers / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D005782:Gels; D011140:Polyurethanes; D012826:Silicone Elastomers