Capsular Contracture After Breast Reconstruction with the Tissue Expansion Technique: A Comparison of Smooth and Textured Silicone Breast Prostheses

Abstract

Twenty consecutive breast reconstructions were done by the expansion technique. Either textured or smooth expander prostheses were used followed by silicone implants. Histological samples were taken from the capsule when the expander was removed and the implant inserted. The results show no difference in capsular formation between the groups, although the microscopic evaluations from the group with textured prostheses showed considerable numbers of silicone droplets. The patients were generally pleased with the results even though some reconstructed breasts were slightly firm when evaluated postoperatively.

Key Words:

• breast reconstruction
• expansion
• capsule formation
• surface of implants