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Abstract

A newly developed breast prosthesis overcomes the tightness and contracture of the fibrous capsule which forms around the existing prostheses. This prosthesis is constructed with an outer temporary component and an inner permanent component. The inner component is a fluid- or gel-filled container or sac of a flexible, non-absorbable material. The temporary outer component is a container or cover of a material which is absorbable under the conditions of use, and an inert filler material, preferably an absorbable, biologically acceptable liquid, e.g. saline solution, filling the space between the inner and outer components which is added through a valve or tube in the outer cover either at the time of manufacture or at the time of implantation. The inner component is preferably of silicone rubber film and is filled with a silicone gel. The outer portion is in the form of a sheet, film or coating of a material which can be absorbed in the body after surgical implantation. The filling valve or tube is also of an absorbable material. Suitable materials are ones which will be absorbed by phagocytosis or hydrolysis or other processes or which can be rendered absorbable by physical or chemical or enzymatic treatment or the like, prior to, during, or after surgical implantation. These materials include natural, synthetic or semisynthetic materials proven useful for surgical sutures and materials such as reconstituted collagen, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, polyglactin 910, reconstituted vegetable protein, etc.

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First Claim