This volume contains 46 papers on a variety of topics relating to silicones. The chemistry of silicones and the composition of the commonly used silicone breast implants is described. It has been estimated that around 800,000 women in the U.S. have been recipients of silicone breast implants and there is much concern about the biological reaction to materials contained within these implants. Silicones interact with proteins and tissues, usually in a non-specific way. The question of whether silicone implants cause disease was not the subject of this book. It is generally accepted that under special circumstances silicone gels can induce a chronic inflammatory response and act as immunological adjuvants.
The main benefit of this volume is the presentation of a balanced perspective of a field that is often clouded by controversy.
