Development of alternative breast implant filler material: Criteria and horizons

Rod J. Rohrich, Samuel J. Beran, Alton E. Ingram, V. Leroy Young

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

The introduction of the silicone gel-filled breast implant more than 30 years ago changed the nature of alloplastic breast augmentation and reconstruction. Over the last three decades, it is estimated that one million American women have undergone implantation with some variation of these devices. Recent medical, legal, and regulatory developments have forced a moratorium on the unrestricted uses of the silicone gel-filled implants, and it appears unlikely that its general use will return. However, there is a continued need for some type of breast implant in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. The Food and Drug Administration has proposed testing guidelines for the development of any new breast implant before unrestricted clinical use. These guidelines will direct the creation of new tiller materials from their earliest stages, through long-term postimplantation follow-up studies. This article succinctly examines the central issues in the breast implant controversy in relation to the FDA's recommendations for the development of new implants, discusses breast implant tiller materials currently under development, and offers guidelines tot the development of breast implant fillers that are safe and effective.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)553-562
Number of pages10
JournalPlastic and reconstructive surgery
Volume98
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1996

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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