The development of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) following augmentation mammoplasty

We describe 3 patients developing systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) following breast augmentation with paraffin injections, and saline and silicone gel filled implants. Although previously considered inert, silicone appears capable of inducing human adjuvant disease including scleroderma in the susceptible individual. The occurrence of systemic sclerosis following the use of silicone implants however, appears to be uncommon.