Changes over time in mammary compliance values after breast augmentation.

Capsular contracture is the most troublesome and distressing complication after breast augmentation for both the surgeon and patient. The etiology of capsular contracture remains unclear. Clinical treatment for this complication is based on the surgeon's evaluation, the condition of the breast, and a number of other factors. In a previous study, the authors investigated whether measurement of mammary compliance as a means of assessing capsular contracture was comparable with other methods described for the assessment of capsular contracture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether capsular contracture varies significantly over time. A prospective study was performed to measure mammary compliance in 60 female patients who received a total of 120 implants between 2000 and 2002. The implants used were anatomic prostheses filled with cohesive silicone gel and round double-lumen prostheses filled with silicone gel and saline solution. All the patients were followed up for at least 2 years. Statistical analysis of the data also was performed to assess significance. The results showed a general trend in mammary compliance values over time.