A new biologically, osmotically, and oncotically balanced gel that shows calcifications blocked by silicone

Ersek, R. A.; Ersek, G. A.; Ersek, C. L.; Williams, J.

The radiodensity of silicone gel-filled breast implants is well documented. It has been suggested that silicone gel may block the transmission of x-rays sufficiently to prevent visualization of microcalcifications that are frequently an indicator of malignancy. A new biologically, oncotically balanced gel has been developed that has increased radiotranslucency to approximately the density of normal breast tissue, increased lubrication qualities, and is quickly and safely eliminated by the body should the shell rupture. We present a case wherein a patient's mammogram was read as negative two years prior to breast reaugmentation due to Baker IV capsular contracture. During surgery, complete calcification of the capsule was discovered, as well as two ruptured prostheses; neither condition had been detected by the mammogram. These capsules, with their calcifications and scar intact, were removed in toto and radiographically compared through standard silicone gel-filled breast implants and through implants containing the new biologically, osmotically, oncotically balanced gel. The calcifications were completely obscured by the silicone gel-filled prosthesis and completely visible when viewed through the bio-oncotic gel-filled prosthesis. Postoperative mammograms confirmed the radiolucency of the new gel-filled prostheses. This new gel appears to be a reasonable alternative to silicone gel for filling breast implants.