Silicone gel-filled breast implant integrity: A retrospective review of 478 consecutively explanted implants

Concern has been expressed over the long-term integrity of silicone gel bre ast implants. There are no large series representing experience with these implants outside of the United States. A retrospective case note review of explanted silicone breast implants was performed; 478 implants have been ex planted during the past Il years and relate to the use of these devices sin ce 1971. Loss of implant integrity was not simply related to its age in viv o. Failure was more likely with implants of the late 1970s and early 1980s (second generation) and with subpectoral placement. Implant failure was ind ependent of capsular contracture as the indication for removal (p = 0.09). There is no evidence that the currently used textured silicone gel breast i mplants are subject to the same loss of integrity as previous examples of t hese devices. The life span of these implants, the first of which are appro aching 10 years in vivo, is at present unknown. Information concerning the integrity of silicone gel breast implants is essential in the current clima te for counseling of both new and old implant recipients.