Ds. Raso et al., SILICONE DEPOSITION IN RECONSTRUCTION SCARS OF WOMEN WITH SILICONE BREAST IMPLANTS, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 35(1), 1996, pp. 32-36
Background: The possible association of silicone breast implants and d
isease is a subject of continuous debate and concern. Objective: Our p
urpose was to examine microscopically and ultrastructurally the peripr
osthetic fibrous capsules and reconstruction scars of women with silic
one breast implants. Methods: Representative samples from the peripros
thetic capsules and reconstruction scars from six women with silicone
breast implants were examined by a variety of light microscopy techniq
ues, transmission electron microscopy, and electron probe microanalysi
s. Results: Silicone globules of various sizes were identified in ever
y periprosthetic capsule and reconstruction scar. Conclusion: Extrusio
n and seeding of the incision tract during surgery most likely account
s for the presence of silicone in the reconstruction scar specimens. T
his observation suggests that the identification of silicone in the re
construction scars of women with silicone breast implants does not nec
essarily implicate rupture of the silicone breast implant with systemi
c dissemination of silicone gel.