External compression for the prevention of scar capsule contracture--a preliminary report

One of the many methods that have been suggested for the prevention of capsule contracture is the use of capsule expansion exercises. However, the effectiveness of such treatment has remained controversial and has never been studied in a controlled manner. An experiment was designed to study the effect of intermittent external compression on gel implants in dogs. In adult mongrel dogs 200 cc gel implants were placed subcutaneously on either side of the chest wall. Postoperatively, the dogs were treated with an inflation panel which was held over one implant by a canvas jacket. The other implant served as a control. The implants were evaluated by both applanation and indention tonometry. Treatment continued for three months and the dogs were followed for an additional twelve months postoperatively. Of the original 5 dogs, 2 failed to develop contracture on either side. The remaining 3 developed varying degrees of contracture which was in all cases more severe on the control side. In the twelve months of subsequent follow-up, 2 of these dogs remained soft on the treated side and firm on the control side.