Clinical experience with Heyer-Schulte inflatable implants in breast augmentation

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Breast augmentation commonly utilizes inflatable saline implants.
• Capsular contracture is a significant complication following breast augmentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of Heyer-Schulte (Mentor) inflatable saline implants.
• To assess the rates of capsular contracture and implant deflation.

Main Methods:

• Prospective follow-up of 100 patients undergoing breast augmentation with inflatable saline implants.
• Observation period ranged from 6 months to 8.5 years.
• Data collection focused on capsular contracture (Baker II or greater) and implant deflation rates.

Main Results:

• A low capsular contracture rate of 3.4% was observed.
• The implant deflation rate was also 3.4%.
• Early implant manipulation was identified as a contributing factor to the low capsular contracture rate.

Conclusions:

• The Heyer-Schulte (Mentor) inflatable saline implant demonstrates an acceptable safety profile with low complication rates.
• Early manipulation is crucial for minimizing capsular contracture.
• The implant is effective for correcting asymmetries and achieving soft breast aesthetics.