Tuesday, October 12, 2004 - 11:05 AM
5637

Patient Satisfaction and Incidence of Capsular Contracture with the New Generation of Silicone Breast Implants: A Single Surgeon’s Experience

Sarah E Hagarty, MD, Rene Crepeau, MD, and Mimis N. Cohen, MD.

Goals: A new generation of silicone gel implants has emerged, designed to lower bleed rates. These are available in Canada under The Medical Devices Bureau of Statistics Canada. We present a retrospective study of a single surgeon’s experience of 60 consecutive subglandular implants in 30 patients for cosmetic breast augmentation. The purpose of this study was to analyze quantitatively specific outcomes, and to assess patient satisfaction and capsular contracture rates. Methods: All patients had Mentor smooth round style 350 gel implants placed subglandularly. Data was collected through chart review, photographs, and clinical examination. All 30 patients completed a questionnaire, and half underwent additional direct clinical examination. Satisfaction, symmetry, implant palpability, pain, scar and sensation were rated on a scale of 1 to 5. Capsular contracture was rated according to Baker’s classification scale. Results: The average follow-up was 13 months (range 4-25 months). There were three minor complications treated conservatively. There were no patients with Baker Class IV contracture, 8% with Class III, and 90% with Class I/II. Patient satisfaction was high, with an average overall satisfaction score of 4.5/5. Conclusion: This is a preliminary study. It is unique however because it gives information about outcomes with the new silicone gel implants. Our patients were extremely satisfied with the appearance and feel, while significant complication and capsular contracture rates were lower than reported with previous generations of implants. Further studies with larger samples and longer follow up are necessary to further elucidate outcomes and patient satisfaction.