TREATMENT OF BREAST CONTRACTURES WITH OPEN CAPSULOTOMY AND REPLACEMENT OF GEL PROSTHESES WITH POLYURETHANE-COVERED IMPLANTS

Capsular contracture around gel and gel-saline implants is the most common complication following breast augmentation and reconstruction. Thirty-one patients with postaugmentation gel-implant contractures were treated with open capsulotomy and replacement with polyurethane-covered implants. Eighty-seven percent remain soft after a minimum follow-up of 14 months. Results of replacement after subcutaneous mastectomy and reconstruction are more varied and less successful. Results in 14 patients are presented. © 1990 American Society of Plastic Surgeons.