SAFETY ASPECTS RELATED TO IMPLANTED BREAST PROSTHESES

Silicone implants are largely used both in aesthetic and reconstructive medicine, thanks to their recognized biocompatibility. The damage of breast prostheses as a consequence of accidental impacts, is however one of the possible critical situations in their use. The behaviour of silicone breast prostheses in case of accidental impacts, for example in a car accident, is studied by experimental crash tests, accounting for the action exerted by seat belts during impact. Possible effects of aging over the mechanical response of the implants are also considered and approached. Static compression tests performed after long term aging indicate a possible degradation of prosthesis mechanical performance, which should be considered when analysing the possible consequences of an accidental damage.