A Comparative Analysis of Local and Systemic Immunological Biomarkers in Females With Breast Implants and Capsular Contracture

Abstract

Abstract BackgroundThe etiology of capsular contracture (CC), the most common complication following breast augmentation, remains unclear. Chronic, fibrotic inflammation resulting in excessive fibrosis has been proposed as a potential mechanism. ObjectivesIn this study, we aimed to investigate the relation between biomarkers that are associated with inflammation and fibrosis and the severity of CC. MethodsFifty healthy females were categorized into 3 groups: females with no-to-mild CC (Baker 1-2; nnn ResultsNo significant differences in intracapsular cytokine levels were observed between the Baker 1-2 and the Baker 3-4 groups, as the levels were generally low and, in some cases, almost undetectable. In the blood samples, no significant differences in Gal-1, INF-γ, IL-6, or TNF-α levels were found within the 3 groups. We identified significantly increased levels of INF-β (P ConclusionsThe cytokines assessed in this study did not reflect the degree of CC among females with silicone breast implants. However, 3 females with severe CC, who all had prolonged silicone exposure, showed extremely elevated levels of INF-β in their serum samples. This possible association between prolonged silicone exposure and systemic inflammation in some females should be further investigated. Level of Evidence: 3