Non-coated silicone implants found to lead to higher levels of scarring, infections and necessity for further operations
Women with breast cancer who have reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy are much less likely to have complications if they have a polyurethane-coated implant, according to research.
About 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every year, of whom about 30% have a mastectomy. Many of these will subsequently have radiotherapy.
Many women opt to have reconstructive surgery. But hard, painful scar tissue can form around the implant, especially if they have had radiotherapy.
Research shows that radiotherapy after mastectomy and breast reconstruction is associated with a higher risk of complications and additional surgery. But until now there has been limited real-world evidence about whether the type of implant can influence the risk of scarring.
