Post-Implant Morphological Changes of Mammary Tissue: Polyvinyl Sponge (Ivalon) vs. Silicone Breast Prosthesis

We report histomorphological changes of the capsules associated with Polyvinyl (Ivalon) sponge and silicone breast prosthesis implants, were removed from two Caucasian female cadavers between the ages of 50 and 80, and histologically analyze the reactions of the surrounding breast tissue to each type of breast implant. Measurements and the volumes of the implants were taken and recorded. 1 cm x 1 cm tissue samples were cut and prepared through the tissue preparation for light microscopy method. The polyethylene bag did not completely prevent infiltration of living cells into the sponge. Many factors may have played a part in the extent of calcium deposition seen in the capsule and subcutaneous mammary tissue of the Ivalon breast as compared to the subcutaneous mammary tissue silicone breast implants. Histological stains revealed living cell infiltration into the polyvinyl sponge, calcification of the Ivalon capsule, and calcium deposition in the subcutaneous mammary tissues of both the Ivalon and silicone breast implants.