Radiation with silicone breast implants: Rate of capsular contraction? Prevention recommendations?

Question

I have 7-year-old silicone breast implants. I was recently diagnosed with tubular breast cancer, grade 1, negative lymph nodes, 7mm mass (T1bN0M0). I had a lumpectomy on my right breast at 10 o'clock with local tissue rearrangement by an oncologic plastic surgeon. I am projected to have localized radiation. What is the rate of capsular contraction of radiated silicone breast implants? Does pentoxifylline and vitamin E reduce the risk of capsular contraction?

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

Hi. There is a very high likelihood that you will get a capsular contracture after your radiation treatment.  Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to prevent it.  Talk to your plastic surgeon about it and see how to best handle all the options in your situation.  Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear breastcancer28,
capsular contracture happens. In fact, every implant has a capsule form around it, its just a certain percentage develop thick capsules. There is a lot we don't know about it actually. Some think that bacteria that gets on the implant during insertion can increase the risk. Thats why we use a Keller Funnel in our practice to reduce that possibility. Our capsular contracture rate is less than 2% because we use a keller funnel as well as meticulous operating room techniques.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but hopefully you will do very well. Radiation does increase the risk of capsule formation, especially as time passes, because of the damage it does to the tissue.

Radiation with silicone breast implants: Rate of capsular contraction? Prevention recommendations?

Answers (3)