Surgeons, what's your knowledge and opinion on CMC (carboxy-methyl-cellulose) hydrogel breast implants?

Question

They're not FDA approved in the US, do you know why? Some researchers specializing in breast implant solutions have cited these as a better alternative to silicone.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I’ve been in practice over thirty years and I have noticed this. Every time something is touted as being better or new and improved  we later find out the unexpected problems. So I wouldn’t get ahead of this too much and I certainly am not going to be the first one to use them if they get approved.  Let others be the Guinea pugs.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Since the FDA has not approved their use in the US, they are not used here.  Many studies are required to achieve FDA approval. "Some" is not enough for approval.

Chuma Chike-Obi, MD · Answer

The history of the breast implant, invented in the early 1960s, is very rich; in many ways a microcosm of medicine in general: experimentation, and incremental improvement over the years.
Hydrogel implants in general have been abandoned because of a list of associated issues including tissue edema/swelling, dissemination of the material into host tissues in the event of rupture, and capsular contracture.
Assessing the literature is a bit complicated because not all hydrogels are the same. While I could not find any specific information on CMC hydrogel implants; the shelf life of CMC is around 2 years. This alone would preclude its effect use for a breast device.
I hope this is helpful.
-Dr. Chike-Obi

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Motiva CMC breast implants are not yet available in the US but are currently undergoing clinical trials to determine safety and efficacy of the implant. Initial data appears promising.Best wishes...

Surgeons, what's your knowledge and opinion on CMC (carboxy-methyl-cellulose) hydrogel breast implants?

Answers (4)

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