Mechanical analysis of explanted silicone breast implants.
Smooth-walled silicone gel breast implants (n = 25) were removed from 15 women after implantation times that varied from 23 to 216 months (mean = 117 months; SEM = 12.9). Strips of implant shells were tested to failure by computer-controlled tensiometer. Regression analysis revealed significant negative correlation between age of implantation and shell strength (p < 0.05), shell toughness (p < 0.05), and shell elasticity (p < 0.05). These data suggest that exposure to the in vivo environment weakens silicone gel breast implant shells over time.
Greenwald
D P
DP
University of South Florida, Tampa, USA.
Randolph
M
M
May
J W
JW
D018427:Breast Implants / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012086:Reoperation; D012828:Silicones; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013997:Time Factors
D005782:Gels; D012828:Silicones