Clinical experience with polyurethane-covered gel-filled mammary prostheses.

We have used 104 low-profile polyurethane-covered gel-filled mammary prostheses in 54 patients. Only one patient has developed capsular contracture. Foreign-body reaction to polyurethane was clinically significant in only one patient. Other complications have been few and of the type that can accompany any type of mammary prosthesis. Of the 54 patients studied, 51 still have their implants in place and have soft, compressible breasts. The superior wrinkling and palpable implant edge that is occasionally present when the implant is placed subcutaneously has been of some concern to patients and can be eliminated by submuscular placement. The use of polyurethane-covered low-profile gel-filled prostheses for breast reconstruction has greatly improved our results, and the satisfaction of both surgeon and patient has been gratifying.