Capsular contracture, which is the pathologic development of fibrous capsules around implants, is a major complication of reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgeries. Capsular contracture can cause implant failure with breast hardening, deformity, and severe pain. The exact mechanisms underlying this complication remain unclear. In addition, anaplastic large cell lymphoma is now widely recognized as a very rare disease associated with breast implants. Foreign body reactions are an inevitable common denominator of capsular contracture. A number of studies have focused on the associated immune responses and their regulation. The present article provides an overview of the currently available techniques, including novel nano/microtechniques, to reduce silicone implant-induced contracture and associated foreign body responses.
Keywords: ALCL; T-cell immunity; capsular contracture; foreign body reaction; nano/microtechniques; silicone breast implant.