Scleroderma following silicone implantation: a cumulative experience of 11 cases

In the 3 years since the initial report of 5 patients who developed scleroderma in association with silicone breast implants, 6 additional silicone implant recipients have presented with scleroderma. Two of these patients received silicone chin implants. A total of 5 patients elected to remove their prostheses. Two patients have had marked improvement of cutaneous scleroderma. The other 3 patients, however, died secondary to progressive visceral involvement. This cumulative experience of 11 cases of scleroderma following silicone implantation suggests additional evidence of an association between the 2. Careful case control studies over an extended period of time are required to determine the incidence of this outcome.