Expandable anatomical implants in breast reconstructions: a prospective study

Following success with two-stage anatomical breast reconstructions, we started using expandableanatomical implants for breast reconstruction to achieve one-stage reconstruction. Sixty-three breast reconstructions were carried out with one-stage expandable anatomical implants over a period of 15 months, September 1995 to December 1996. To assess the performance of these implants, 20 patients with mean age 51.1 years (range 34–68 years), who were operated between February 1996 and June 1996, were entered into a prospective study. Overall, very satisfactory results were achieved, with a mean follow-up of 10.1 months (range 8–12 months). Minor complications were recorded in 3 patients and minor secondary adjustment was required in 7 patients.