Objective evaluation of two differently-shaped permanent expander prostheses used for breast reconstruction

When a breast is being reconstructed with an implant, a capsule of connective tissue always forms around the implant and a capsular contracture can develop. Radiotherapy increases the incidence of capsular contracture. To evaluate the results after breast reconstruction with differently-shaped textured implants, and the effect of radiotherapy on the softness of the reconstruction, 140 patients given permanent breast expander prostheses between 1994 and 2000 were studied. In 99 patients a round implant and in 41 an anatomically-shaped implant was used. Radiotherapy was given to 24 patients. For objective assessment, applanation tonometry was recorded when the desired breast volume was achieved, and 6 and 12 months later. This study showed that, regardless of the shape of the implant, the softness of the breast reconstruction was similar, as shown by the contact area of the applanation tonometry disc. Radiotherapy transiently reduced the softness of the breast.