[Carboxymethylcellulose hydrogel-filled breast implants. Our experience in 15 years]

The author reports 15 years of laboratory and surgical experience with the use of breast implants pre-filled with carboxy-methyl-cellulose gel which he has used since 1984. Laboratory tests and results are presented. The author has undertaken a retrospective analysis of 380 clinical cases since 1984. He concludes that there is a future role for breast implants containing a non-toxic, visco-elastic and biodegradable filling gel in conjunction with the manufacture of increasingly reliable implant linings.