Polyurethane Coated Breast Implants are not available in the U.S. at this time. They were taken off the UK market in 1991, but brought back in 2005 after “The Committee on Carcinogenicity” deemed the carcinogenic risk “small and unquantifiable.” The advantage of the polyurethane implant is thought to be less capsular contracture. A lot of the more seasoned plastic surgeons swear by this type of implant. Further information from the British MHRA (Equivalent of FDA, except for the food part), can be studied below.
“Polyurethane-coated breast implants”
Polyurethane-coated silicone gel breast implants are now available for implantation in the UK.These implants consist of a silicone elastomer shell filled with silicone gel. The shell is coated with a polyurethane foam which breaks down over time. Polyurethane-coated breast implants were removed from the UK market in 1991, following concerns about the possible carcinogenic risk from the polyurethane breakdown product. The Committee on Carcinogenicity1 concluded that carcinogenic risk from these implants is small and unquantifiable. In April 2005, the manufacturer of one type of polyurethane-coated breast implant reintroduced them to the UK. The manufacturer claims that the incidence of capsular contracture is lower than with other types of breast implant, and that the movement or rotation is less.”