Capsular contraction and deflation associated with inflatable implants.

In 9 patients who had inflatable implants placed and underwent open capsulectomy and replacement of these implants, severe degrees of capsular contraction were found in all patients. In addition, 7 of the 9 patients had some degree of deflation of the implant causing noticeable breast distortion or loss of breast volume. Many of the capsules removed showed actual crystalline material present in the capsules with a more severe degree of encapsulation than found with other types of implants. Inflatable implants offer no advantages over gel implants and are certainly not to be used in preference to other forms of breast implants.