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Silicon and silicone levels in patients with silicone implants
W Peters1, D Smith, S Lugowski
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Wellesley Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
|January 1, 1996
Summary
This study measured silicon levels in fibrous capsules surrounding breast implants. Silicone gel implants showed significantly higher silicon concentrations in capsules compared to saline implants or controls, suggesting localized accumulation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Immunology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- A potential link between silicone gel breast implants and autoimmune connective tissue disease is controversial.
- The role of silicone as an immune adjuvant is not well understood.
- Accurate measurement of silicone in tissues is challenging with current techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify silicon levels in fibrous capsules of patients with silicone gel breast implants, saline implants, and silicone penile prostheses.
- To compare silicon levels in implant capsules to baseline levels in breast tissue without implants.
- To investigate the relationship between implant integrity, duration, and silicon levels in surrounding tissues.
Main Methods:
- Atomic absorption spectrometry with a graphite furnace was used to measure silicon levels.
- Samples included fibrous capsules from silicone gel breast implants, saline implants, silicone penile prostheses, and control breast tissue.
- 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to detect silicone in blood samples.
Main Results:
- Median silicon levels in capsules from silicone gel breast implants (9979 µg/g) were significantly higher than those from saline implants (7.7 µg/g) and penile prostheses (19.5 µg/g).
- Control breast tissue showed low baseline silicon levels (median 0.0927 µg/g).
- No significant differences in capsule silicon levels were found based on implant status (intact, leaking, ruptured), duration, or year of implantation. No silicone was detected in blood samples.
Conclusions:
- Silicone released from gel breast implants appears to remain localized within the fibrous capsule.
- Capsule silicon levels are orders of magnitude higher than previously reported blood silicon levels.
- The study did not find evidence supporting a direct correlation between implant status and silicon levels in capsules, nor did it detect silicone in blood.