Silicone prosthetics and anti-thyroid autoimmunity.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Immunology
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Silicone implants in esthetic surgery are debated.
• Potential immune and endocrine effects require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze immune and endocrine changes after mammary augmentation.
• To investigate the impact of silicone mammoplasty on thyroid autoimmunity.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 119 esthetic mammary surgeries.
• Monitoring of immune and endocrine parameters, including autoantibodies to the TSH receptor, prolactin, and TSH levels.

Main Results:

• Increased autoantibodies to the TSH receptor observed post-silicone mammoplasty.
• Pre-operative prolactin and TSH levels were elevated.
• ASIA syndrome incidence increased, but not exclusively linked to silicone.
• No overt thyroid disease detected within 12 months, indicating a pre-nosological state.

Conclusions:

• Silicone may act as an adjuvant, increasing thyroid autoimmunity.
• Pre-operative screening for TSH receptor autoantibodies is recommended for patients undergoing silicone implant surgery.
• Long-term thyroid status monitoring, including autoantibody testing, is advised for patients post-breast endoprosthesis.