Synopses & Reviews
Employed for both cosmetic and reconstructive purposes, breast implants are one of the most widely-used and controversial prostheses available. The development of safe, reliable products is vital to the future of this important field of surgery. This book reviews the history, materials and safety issues associated with breast implants.
Beginning with an introduction to the history of biomaterials used for breast augmentation, the contributors go on to discuss development issues. They discuss the chemistry and physical properties of biomedical silicones before reviewing cohesive gel and polyurethane foam implants. The book concludes by analyzing the epidemiological evidence on the safety issues relating to breast implants, followed by a review of retrieval and analysis of breast implants emphasizing strength, durability and failure mechanisms.
Review
"For the academic surgeon who desires a grouping of articles specifically related to breast implants in one place, this book fills the bill."
--Jeffrey S. Rosenthal, MD(Bridgeport Hospital), Doody's Book Review Service
Synopsis
Breast implants are one of the most regularly used prosthesis (both for cosmetic and reconstructive purposes) in plastic surgery. Unfortunately they are also one of the most controversial implants available and some types of breast implants have a reputation for being unreliable and in some cases dangerous. This book discusses the history of this lucrative field and how it is developing. Part 1 provides an introduction to the field of cosmetic surgery and biomaterials used. Chapters in Part 2 discuss various types of implants such as silicone, saline and gel. The final set of chapters analyze retrieval analysis studies and failure modes.
Synopsis
This book reviews the history of breast augmentation surgery from injection materials used in the early 1900s up to the current state-of-the-art silicone gel breast implants, with chapters describing the various types of implants, along with their advantages, disadvantages and potential outcomes. The conclusion analyzes the epidemiological evidence on the safety issues relating to breast implants, with an emphasis on strength, durability and failure mechanisms. Breast augmentation surgery is once again one of the most popular types of aesthetic plastic surgery performed in many countries of the world. The authors and contributors attempt to explain the reasons for the current popularity of this operation.
About the Author
Walter Peters is Professor of Surgery at the University of Toronto, Canada.Kenneth Jerina is the Earl E. And Myrtle E. Walker Professor of Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Washington University in St Louis.
Clarence J. Wolf is a former Professor (now retired) in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.V. Leroy Young is former Chief of Surgical Services at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, Missouri, and is a founding partner of the BodyAesthetic Plastic Surgery and Skincare Center.
Table of Contents
Part 1 Introduction to biomaterials in cosmetic surgery: Introduction; History of biomaterials used in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Part 2 Implants: Chemistry and physical properties of silicones; Advances in silicone gel breast implants; Advances in saline breast implants; Cohesive gel implants; Polyurethane implants. Part 3 Further considerations: Retrieval and analysis studies emphasizing strength and durability; Failure modes.