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Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery…In Brief

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgey journal cover

May 2009

Breast Implant Research Continues to Advance

A known complication associated with breast implants is a condition termed capsular contracture, which occurs when naturally forming scar tissue around the implant shrinks and tightens. In severe cases, capsular contracture may require surgery to remove the scar tissue around the implant. But, new science reveals that a synthetic peptide that has been shown to improve dermal wound healing, may also reduce the instances of fibrous encapsulation of medical silicone implants.

Researchers from South Carolina investigated the ability of the ACT1 peptide in rats that were implanted with silicone disks coated with the compound. Over a 28-day period, capsulectomies (removal of the tissue surrounding the implant) were performed and the tissue was analyzed. Results showed that ACT1 treatment of the implants produced a reduction in type 1 collagen - in turn reducing the contractile potential of the capsule around the implant. Additionally, positive results were also found in wound-healing response and early vascularization.

Researchers state that despite these promising results, further research is needed to establish safety requirements and examine these effects in humans. This study appeared in the May issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

By the Numbers:

  • According to ASPS statistics, there were more than 307,000 breast implant procedures performed in 2008.
  • The type of breast implant used in 2008 saw a shift in percentages:
    • In 2008, 53% of total breast implants were saline and 47% were silicone
    • In 2007, 65% of total breast implants were saline and 35% were silicone