Polyurethane Coating Lowers Implant Complications After Mastectomy
Why this is here: The study tracked women’s health for two-and-a-half to three years after surgery, providing real-world evidence on implant types and complication risks post-radiotherapy.
A new study found polyurethane-coated breast implants reduce complications for cancer patients undergoing reconstructive surgery after mastectomy. Researchers studied roughly 1,500 women across 15 countries treated for breast cancer from 2016 to 2024. The women received mastectomies, implant reconstruction, and subsequent radiotherapy.
About one-third of patients received polyurethane-coated silicone implants, while nearly 1,000 received standard implants. After tracking patient health for two-and-a-half to three years, researchers observed significantly lower rates of capsular contracture—hardened scar tissue—in the polyurethane group.
32.8% of women with polyurethane implants developed capsular contracture, compared to 47.5% with standard implants. The polyurethane group also reported fewer infections and needed less additional surgery to address scarring. Experts say these findings support more personalized implant selection.