As most of us know, XL silicone implants were banned by the FDA long ago. Silicone was the implant type of many of the 90s XXL boob queens like Wendy Whoppers. The current available methods of achieving extreme volume (1000CCs all the way to 2000, 3000 and beyond) are through overfilling saline, and through saline expander implants which are filled gradually inside the body.
It's my understanding that overfilled saline and expanders are 'off label' uses for those products. They are intended for and approved for other uses. Because those products are widely available, a handful of surgeons are able to use them for XL boobs. It does seem that complications become nearly inevitable after 2000CCs. Many popular models have had issues at this volume. And it's likely that there are more with complications that kept that information private.
Were silicone implants any safer in this regard? Even though they aren't approved, is it possible that they were actually a better, safer or more stable option for extreme volume breast implants?