Editorial: Breast implantation--the quest for safety and quality

Outcome is judged by the safety of the surgery and the quality of results in terms of breast shape, size, and consistency and patient satisfaction. Since the introduction of the silicone-gel-filled elastomer-envelope prosthesis in the 1960s,1 implant design and surgical technique have been extensively modified in response to local complications and concern about implant safety.2 Implant failure -- either rupture or leakage of implant contents -- has received considerable attention because of concern that the release of silicone gel into surrounding tissues might lead to systemic illnesses.