As a plastic surgeon performing breast surgery for over twelve years and a woman who has had silicone gel breast implants since 1985, I hope to help inform women regarding this topic. There are still many unanswered questions regarding the safety of silicone breast implants. Studies are ongoing, but results may not be available for several years. Education may help relieve some of the anxieties until results become available. Some silicone gel implants are coated with a polyurethane material and are called Natural-Y implants.
Capsular contracture can cause local discomfort and upward displacement of the implant.
Capsular contractures are believed to be the result of a low-grade infection around the implant. The low grade infection causes tightening of the normal scar around the implant and as the implant is squeezed, it appears more firm. Capsular contractures are more common when the implants are placed behind the breast tissue and in front of the chest well muscles. This is felt to be due to the contamination of the implant from breast ducts, which normally contain some bacteria. If the implants are placed behind the chest wall muscles and the surgeon avoids cutting through the breast tissue, the incidence of capsular contractures is reduced.