Trilucent breast implants--a personal review of the current controversies (May 1999)

Trilucent ("Soya Bean") breast implants were marketed as a safe alternative to silicon implants. Following their use in the UK for the past four years, a reassessment of this has currently been announced (March 1999) and further implantation has been suspended by the Trilucent company in conjunction with the MDA (Medical Devices Agency). This has been the result of some reports of adverse reactions to the triglyceride filling material when the implant ruptures. All patients with trilucent implants were advised to return to their respective surgeons for review and advice. A personal review has been undertaken by the author of this paper. The results obtained are discussed. The majority of patients were concerned, but were happy with cosmetic results, and did not at present wish their implants removed. None appeared as yet to have had serious complications that could be attributed to the implants.