Risk of radiation-induced capsular contracture following subpectoral or prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction Journal Article


Authors: Shammas, R. L.; Levy, J.; Boe, L. A.; Wagner, B.; Graziano, F. D.; Hespe, G. E.; Matros, E.; Nelson, J. A.; Mehrara, B. J.
Article Title: Risk of radiation-induced capsular contracture following subpectoral or prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Radiation significantly increases the risk of capsular contracture after implant-based breast reconstruction. However, the relationship between anatomic plane placement (e.g. submuscular or prepectoral) and the development of capsular contracture remains unclear. This study compares the risk of radiation-induced capsular contracture in patients who undergo two-stage prepectoral versus submuscular implant reconstruction. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent two-stage implant reconstruction with radiation to the tissue expander between 2010-2024 at a single institution. Capsular contracture was evaluated and classified by the Baker scale; patients with documented Baker II, III, or IV capsules were considered to have developed capsular contracture. Cox proportional hazards models identified predictors of contracture, and Kaplan-Meier curves estimated the cumulative incidence in prepectoral versus submuscular reconstruction. RESULTS: 585 patients were included; 116 underwent prepectoral and 469 underwent submuscular implant placement. Capsular contracture occurred in 62% of submuscular and 18% of prepectoral patients (p<0.001). The estimated 48-month cumulative incidence of capsular contracture was 61% (95% CI: 56-65%) for submuscular and 35% (95% CI: 19-47%) for prepectoral reconstruction (p<0.001). Submuscular implant placement was associated with a significantly higher risk of developing capsular contracture over time than prepectoral reconstruction (HR: 3.00, 95% CI: 1.88-4.79; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In the setting of radiation, submuscular implant placement is associated with a significantly higher risk of capsular contracture compared to prepectoral placement. These findings emphasize the need for thorough patient counseling regarding the risks of capsular contracture and the importance of individualized reconstructive planning to optimize outcomes in patients undergoing radiation. © 2025 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. All rights reserved.
Keywords: implant; radiation; breast reconstruction; capsular contracture; two-stage
Journal Title: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
ISSN: 0032-1052
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins  
Publication status: Published
Date Published: 2025-06-17
Online Publication Date: 2025-06-17
Language: English
DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000012262
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 40532234
DOI/URL:
Notes: The MSK Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748) is acknowledged in the PDF. Corresponding MSK author is Babak J. Mehrara -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Babak Mehrara
    462 Mehrara
  2. Evan Matros
    210 Matros
  3. Geoffrey Eckerson Hespe
    25 Hespe
  4. Jonas Allan Nelson
    226 Nelson
  5. Lillian Augusta Boe
    82 Boe
  6. Jacob Levy
    11 Levy
  7. Ronnie L. Shammas
    13 Shammas
  8. Benjamin David Wagner
    2 Wagner