Breast implants: the good, the bad and the ugly. Can nanotechnology improve implants?

Abstract

This advanced review will discuss the history of implants used in breast reconstruction and augmentation, the most frequently performed plastic surgery today. Currently, only silicone rubber-based silica nanocomposite implants are available in the United States. The most prevalent issues involving breast implants include capsular contracture, gel bleed, implant rupture, and infection. In the past, studies have also been reported which linked breast implants to increased incidence of systemic diseases such as autoimmune disease, various forms of cancer, and psychological disease. The goal of this review is to survey the literature from the perspective of material science. It is also largely unnoticed that nanotechnology is involved: the silicone rubber shell is reinforced with nanosilica so implants appear to be homogeneous and crystal clear. We are hoping that this review will contribute to a better understanding of the controversial issues and motivate material scientists and medical doctors to work together to develop alternatives based on new nanotechnology for the women who opt for a device made of synthetic materials.

Objective Comparison of Commercially Available Breast Implant Devices

“…As such, research is ongoing with one particular polymer, TPE1, and more results are expected to be forthcoming. Furthermore, basic scientists are experimenting with the implant as a type of localized drug delivery vehicle, whether for antineoplastic chemotherapy or for medications to prevent the development of capsular contracture [18]. In regard to tissue expanders, AirXpanders is a startup based in Palo Alto, California that has developed a patientcontrolled, carbon dioxide-based tissue expander, currently marketed as ''AeroForm.''…”

Biocompatibility of Poly(ester amide) (PEA) Microfibrils in Ocular Tissues

“…Biomaterials are used in several clinical applications, e.g., joint replacement by metal-based materials [24], heart valves [25], blood vessel prosthesis [26,27], breast implants [28], as well as for drug delivery, such as delivery of subcutaneous contraceptives [29] among others. In ophthalmology biomaterials are used extensively as intraocular lenses and contact lenses and since 1996 with the approval by the FDA of Vitrosert ® (Bausch & Lomb), an intravitreal implantable biomaterial, has been used to deliver ganciclovir for the treatment of CMV retinitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).…”

Current and future applications of nanotechnology in plastic and reconstructive surgery

“…Breast implants that contain nanofiber coatings for the delivery of tumor-specific anticancer drugs are currently being evaluated. [15] This technology has the potential to revolutionize cancer care, by facilitating area-specific chemotherapy to the tumor bed while alleviating some of the undesirable effects of current systemic chemotherapy regimens. In addition, utilizing nanoscale technology in manufacturing can improve the strength of breast implants.…”