The use of liquid silicone for breast augmentation
was widespread in the 1960s but was abandoned at
the end of the decade due to numerous studies describing
the development of a large number of local
complications, as well as remote migration of small
amounts of silicone. The use of liquid silicone also leads
to enormous difficulty in the early diagnosis of
breast cancer; these patients are precluded from routine
screening programs and must undergo exhaustive
periodic examinations. Magnetic resonance imaging
has become the most effective test for the early
detection of breast cancer in these patients. Indications
for subcutaneous mastectomy are the presence
of local complications, suspicion of a malignant lesion,
or the patient’s desire to prevent both these potential
problems