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Polyurethane implants: a 6-year review of 416 patients
1Medical City Hospital, Dallas, Texas.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|August 1, 1988
Summary
Polyurethane breast implants show excellent results for augmentation and reconstruction, improving outcomes in most patients with gel capsule issues and mastectomy reconstruction. Infection rates are comparable to traditional implants.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Polyurethane-covered implants were initially used for salvage cases in breast augmentation and reconstruction.
- Experience with these implants has grown over six years, involving 416 patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of polyurethane implants in aesthetic breast surgery, including augmentation and reconstruction.
- To assess outcomes for gel capsule revision and post-mastectomy reconstruction using polyurethane implants.
Main Methods:
- Review of 6 years of clinical experience with 416 patients.
- Analysis of outcomes for gel capsule replacement (Baker stages III-IV) and mastectomy reconstruction.
- Comparison of results with previous procedures and standard gel implants.
Main Results:
- 87% of patients (29/32) with gel capsules (Baker stages III-IV) showed improvement after replacement with polyurethane implants.
- Polyurethane implants provided superior results for reconstruction in unscarred situations compared to repeated procedures.
- Infection incidence was not higher than with gel implants; removal was generally uncomplicated, though two cases of difficult capsulotomy were noted.
Conclusions:
- Polyurethane implants are effective for aesthetic breast augmentation and reconstruction.
- These implants offer significant benefits for patients with capsular contracture and those undergoing mastectomy reconstruction.
- The safety and efficacy profile supports the exclusive use of polyurethane implants for aesthetic breast surgery.