Clinical experience with soyabean-oil-filled breast implants

Objective: We prospectively evaluated aesthetic results, clinical tolerance , and changes after explantation in patients after breast augmentation with soyabean-oil-filled breast implants (Trilucent(Tm)). Methods: Between May 1996 and May 1998 a total of 48 patients underwent bre ast augmentation with a soyabean-oil-filled implant (Trilucent(TM)) in an o bservational study. in keeping with current recommendations, we have begun explanting these implants and studying the filling material. Results: At 1 and 2 years, 94% and 84% of patients, respectively, considere d the clinical result very good or good and 77% considered the aesthetic re sult regarding symmetry, form and projection as good to very good. A pronou nced crease was seen in 24% of patients. At 2 years the rate of capsule con traction (Baker III/IV) was not increased. The implant was exchanged in 20 patients, but no specific changes were noted. In some implants the filling material appeared white, thickened, with flakey precipitates and had a stro ng smell. Conclusion: The aesthetic results of breast augmentation with soyabean-oil- filled implants are satisfactory. The filling material showed good radioluc ency and the rate of capsular fibrosis was low. There were no specific chan ges attributable to the implants.