Silicone-associated rheumatic disease: an unsupported myth

Anecdotal, reports have raised the issue of an association between silicone breast implants and the development of rheumatic diseases. Fortunately, this issue has now been extensively addressed by controlled studies, which demonstrate no association between breast implants and rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and scleroderma. Moreover, several studies that now have addressed the issue of "atypical connective tissue disease" indicate no association between a number of rheumatic complaints and silicone breast implants. Additionally, several controlled studies show no evidence of chronic inflammation in patients with silicone breast implants. These observations should be reassuring to women with breast implants and the individuals who care for them.