SILICONE DEPOSITION IN RECONSTRUCTION SCARS OF WOMEN WITH SILICONE BREAST IMPLANTS

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.