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Updated: May 4, 2026
Multi-Scale Modification of Metallic Implants With Pore Gradients, Polyelectrolytes and Their Indirect Monitoring In vivo
Published on: July 1, 2013
Conical polyurethane implants: an uplifting augmentation
Garrick A Georgeu1, James D Frame, James D Frame
1Dr Georgeu is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Springfield Hospital, Chelmsford, Essex, United Kingdom, and Honorary Senior Lecturer in Plastic Surgery at the Post Graduate Medical Institute, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, Essex, United Kingdom.
Background:
Polyurethane-coated conical implants were introduced by Silimed (US distributor: Sientra, Santa Barbara, California) in 2008 and offer an alternative to round or anatomically shaped implants. By their design and volume distribution, they naturally create central volume and give a reasonable fullness to the upper pole while lifting some ptotic breasts, thus avoiding the need for classical mastopexy.
Objectives:
The authors discuss the advantages of conical implants as an alternative to conventional silicone implants for women with breast ptosis.
Methods:
In the 2-year period between December 2010 and December 2012, a consecutive series of 302 women underwent implant-based breast surgery procedures (236 primary augmentations, 59 revisions, and 7 mastopexy-augmentations) with conical polyurethane devices. Implant volumes ranged from 225 to 560 cc, with low- to medium-profile devices predominating. No extra-high-profile implants were used. Only 1 patient had a drain inserted on completion of a revision augmentation.
Results:
There were no infections (0%) and no wound dehiscence (0%). Four cases required reoperation (1.3%). Patient satisfaction scores were universally high (average, 9.94/10). There have been no capsular contractures to date, but follow-up is short.
Conclusion:
The modern conical, polyurethane implant has many advantages over the conventional round or anatomically shaped implants and offers patients an ideal compromise between volume, natural upper pole fullness, and a lift without mastopexy scars.
