Silicone mammary implants - Can we turn back the time?

Mankind remains infatuated with finding the "fountain of youth", and plastic surgery has become a very important component in the search for eternal youth. Invasive procedures such as face-lifts, body contouring, and implantation of silicone mammary implants (SMI) as well as less invasive procedures such as wrinkle decreasing protocols using filler substances or botulinum toxin, effectively reshape and rejuvenate the aging face or body. However, despite the improved cosmetic appearance of the individual, these treatments disrupt normal aging processes on cellular and molecular level. For example, silicone degradation products promote protein denaturation and activate cells of both the innate and adaptive immune system, thus perpetuating a chronic pro-inflaminatory response of the local tissue. In this review, we concentrate on SMI and summarize the current clinical approaches, and the immunological and biochemical effects of those interventions. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.