Subjective and objective assessment of capsular contracture

Summary

Contraction of the fibrous capsule around an implant after prosthetic breast surgery is a serious complication, which can adversely effect the outcome and spoil the overall result. Textured silicone implants are reported to have reduced rates of capsular contraction, but their exact mechanism, especially at the interface, remains unclear. Over a period of 21/2 years, 94 textured silicone implants were used in augmentation mammoplasty. A follow-up examination was possible in 74 cases. The clinical assessment of results was based on Baker's classification. In addition to the subjective assessment of breast firmness, objective measurements (mamma compliance) were obtained. The average follow-up period was 55.6 weeks. 79.7% of augmented breasts were classified as Baker I, 16.2% as Baker II, 4.1% as Baker III and 0% Baker IV In comparison to previous results reported in the literature, the incidence of capsular contracture obtained with textured implants was significantly lower. All Baker III cases were replacements of the original implant following advanced capsular contraction. The compliance measurements were found to correlate well with Baker's classification. Sixty-one of 72 cases of augmented breasts showed compliance values similar to normal breasts, which ranged between 0.64 and 3.7 cm at D20n. This measurement proves that 82.4% of the augmented breasts are as soft as normal breasts. A partial comparison between our clinical data and histological examination was possible. Firm adhesion of the capsule to the surface of the implant was characteristic of those breasts which showed no capsular contracture, while in breasts showing advanced capsular contraction, implant and capsule were separated by a liquid film. The use of surface textured silicone implants has led to a significantly decreased rate of capsular contraction without having to employ steroids. Close contact between implant and capsule seems to be the most important factor for reduced capsular contraction.