In vitro deflation of prefilled saline breast implants.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not prefilled breast implants retain their volume in packaging.


METHODS
This study examined 32 Poly Implant Prosthesis prefilled textured saline breast implants. All of these implants were within the manufacturer's expiration date at the time of weighing. No holes were visible on any of the implants. All were weighed on an electronic scale. The measured weight was compared with the expected weight (based on the implant size as specified by the manufacturer) and the percentage deflation was calculated. The manufacturer declined to provide specific information about the manufacture dates of the implants; thus, relative age (rather than absolute age) was examined with respect to percentage deflation.


RESULTS
Of the 32 implants examined, all showed some degree of deflation (range, 8.84 to 57.14 percent; 95 percent confidence interval of the mean, 22.01 +/- 4.17 percent). There was a moderate correlation (r = 0.41) between relative age of the implant and percentage deflation.


CONCLUSIONS
From these results, it is clear that this type of prefilled saline breast implant does not maintain its volume in vitro. If these implants are used, the underfilling could contribute to a higher deflation rate and cosmetic deformity. This risk should be taken into account by plastic surgeons who use this type of implant in breast augmentation procedures.
Stevens
W Grant
WG
Marina Plastic Surgery Associates, Marina Del Rey, CA, USA. drstevens@hotmail.com
Hirsch
Elliot M
EM
Stoker
David A
DA
Cohen
Robert
R
D018427:Breast Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D013997:Time Factors
D012965:Sodium Chloride