Silicone mammary implants and connective tissue disease

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Rheumatology
• Immunology

Background:

• The American Food and Drug Administration restricted silicone gel-filled mammary implants due to suspected links with connective tissue disease.
• Numerous case reports suggest a potential association between silicone implants and autoimmune conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review case reports and evaluate the evidence linking silicone gel-filled mammary implants to connective tissue diseases.
• To assess the outcomes of implant removal in patients with connective tissue disease.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 36 published case reports since 1982.
• Analysis of diagnoses, particularly systemic sclerosis, and patient outcomes after implant removal.

Main Results:

• Systemic sclerosis was the most frequently reported diagnosis (n=15).
• Fifteen patients underwent implant removal, with symptom improvement in nine.
• No conclusive evidence was found to implicate silicone implants in connective tissue diseases.

Conclusions:

• Current evidence does not conclusively link silicone mammary implants to connective tissue diseases.
• Implant removal is recommended for patients experiencing severe connective tissue disease.
• Individuals with active connective tissue disease or symptoms should not be considered for silicone implants.