Reconstruction of breasts following mastectomy with polyurethane-covered, gel-filled prostheses

This article describes a simple, one-stage procedure to reconstruct breasts following radical and subcutaneous mastectomy by using subcutaneous placement of Natural-Y prostheses (polyurethane-covered, gel-filled implants with an internal Y-shaped septum). Breast reconstruction after mastectomy or immediately following subcutaneous mastectomy was performed in 36 patients using 62 Natural-Y prostheses. All patients still had implants in place six months to five years later. Neither spherical capsular contractures, infection, nor skin necrosis developed around any implants. Transfer of pedicle flaps was not required in any patient and the reconstructive procedures resulted in minimal scarring. Wrinkling of skin and a palpable implant edge in the superior quadrant were noticeable in some breast reconstructions following subcutaneous mastectomy but rarely in breasts reconstructed following mastectomy because the taut skin conformed to the implant.