An Experimental Analysis of Silicone Leakage

• Published in: Journal of Nippon Medical School Vol. 76; no. 2; pp. 109 - 112
• Main Authors: Takafumi Chin, Kyoko Kobe, Hiko Hyakusoku, Kyoko Uekusa, Keiko Hirakawa, Youkichi Ohno
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: The Medical Association of Nippon Medical School 2009
• ISSN: 1345-4676; 1347-3409

「Abstract」We analyzed whether gel bleed, the leakage of silicone gel from breast implants, occurs in the human body. We simulated the phenomenon with olive oil. Silicone breast implants were submerged in olive oil, and the concentration of silicone polymers in the olive oil was measured periodically with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We found no increase in the silicone concentration. However, clinical conditions might not be adequately simulated because of the shortness of the experimental period and the lack of external stress. However, when clinical experiences and our data are considered, we think that silicone implant durability is an important factor to prevent leakage or gel bleeding.「Introduction」Leakage of silicone gel (polydimethylsiloxane [PDMS]) from implants has received widespread attention as a possible cause of autoimmune disease, arthritis, and neurologic problems. For this reason, we measured the leakage of PDMS from new breast implants under simulated physiologic conditions.