The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Natrelle 410 Highly Cohesive Anatomically Shaped Silicone-Gel Filled Breast Implant to increase breast size (augmentation) in women at least 22 years old and to rebuild breast tissue (reconstruction) in women of any age. Natrelle 410 implants are manufactured by Allergan, Inc.
The FDA based its approval on seven years of data from 941 women. Most complications and outcomes reflect those found in previous breast implant studies including tightening of the area around the implant (capsular contracture), re-operation, implant removal, an uneven appearance (asymmetry), and infection.
In addition, investigators observed fissures (cracks) in the gel of some Natrelle 410 implants. This is a characteristic called gel fracture and is unique to this implant.
?It?s important to remember that breast implants are not lifetime devices. Women should fully understand the risks associated with breast implants before considering augmentation or reconstruction surgery, and they should recognize that long-term monitoring is essential,? said Jeffrey Shuren, M.D., director of the FDA?s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.
?The data we reviewed showed a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness,? said Shuren. ?We will be looking at the results from post-approval studies that will focus on their long-term safety and effectiveness.?
The silicone gel in the Natrelle 410 implant contains more cross-linking compared to the silicone gel used in Allergan?s previously approved Natrelle implant. This increased cross-linking results in a silicone gel that?s firmer. Cross-linking refers to the bonds that link one silicone chain to another. The clinical significance of this type of silicone gel is not known.
Allergan?s studies did not compare the safety and effectiveness of the Natrelle 410 implant to other previously approved silicone gel-filled breast implants on the market. Therefore, these implants cannot be directly compared to any previously FDA-approved implant.
The FDA requires that Allergan conduct a series of post-approval studies to assess long-term safety and effectiveness outcomes and the risks of rare disease. Lessons learned from previous post-approval studies on silicone gel-filled breast implants informed the design of post-approval studies for the Natrelle 410.
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, USA