The Management of Capsular Contracture: Conversion to "Dual-Plane" Positioning through a Periareolar Approach

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The capsular contracture has been the most common complication of augmentation with breast implant, a side effect quite difficult to treat. The latest trends in the correction of capsular contracture include total capsulectomy or conversion of implant pocket. In this study, in an attempt to correct capsular contracture, the authors performed reoperation which involved capsulectomy through peri-areolar approach and dual- plane conversion. The authors hereby report the clinical results of such correction of capsular contracture and examine the efficacy. METHODS: The authors selected 46 patients who were admitted to the clinic from January 2004 to January 2007 (37 months), and performed dual-plane conversion through solely peri-areolar approach. Two types of operation were done dual-plane conversion from subglandular plane or from submuscular plane. RESULTS: The average follow-up time after conversion to the dual-plane position was 10 months. During the follow-up period, 83.1% of patients recovered from capsular contracture and were Baker class I, and in 10.9% the condition had relapsed into Baker class II or III contracture. CONCLUSION: This study has proven the effectiveness of the dual-plane conversion operation for correcting established capsular contracture after previous augmentation mammaplasty. In this study, all cases of dual-plane conversion operation was performed through peri-areolar approach, which can prevent the occurrence of visible scar on inframammary fold.