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Regional silicone-gel migration in patients with ruptured implants
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles 90024-1665.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Silicone-gel migration after breast implant rupture can occur in patients who underwent closed capsulotomy. Early detection via advanced imaging is crucial to prevent gel spreading into surrounding tissues.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Silicone-gel implants are widely used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
- Complications such as implant rupture and silicone-gel migration can occur.
- Closed capsulotomy is a procedure sometimes performed for capsular contracture.
Observation:
- Four symptomatic patients with silicone-gel breast implants and a history of closed capsulotomy were studied.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed silicone-gel migration into the chest wall, axillae, and upper extremities.
- Intraoperative findings and pathology confirmed silicone-gel migration and granuloma formation.
Findings:
- Silicone-gel migration was identified in all four patients.
- The migration extended into chest wall muscles, axillae, and upper extremities.
- Granulomas associated with silicone were present in various anatomical locations.
Implications:
- Advances in breast imaging, particularly MRI, aid in identifying intracapsular rupture and gel migration.
- Prompt diagnosis and potential implant removal are recommended for intracapsular ruptures.
- Preventing silicone-gel migration is essential to avoid complications in surrounding tissues.