Treatment of Capsular Contracture after Breast Augmentation with Serial Fat Grafting and Implantation

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Capsular contracture is the most common complication after breast augmentation using implants. In case of severe capsular contracture, surgical correction is inevitable. We introduce a treatment for severe capsular contracture with serial fat grafting before augmentation using implants. METHODS: In severe cases of capsular contracture, we removed the implants and performed partial capsulectomy. We harvested fat from the flanks or thighs using liposuction. The first fat graft was performed in the subdermal, subcutaneous, and subglandular layers of the breast. The harvested fat was frozen and stored. One month after implant removal and the first graft, a second fat graft was performed. One month later, a third fat graft was performed. Six months after implant removal, we augmented the breasts with implants. RESULTS: The cases of severe breast contracture were treated without any complications. The volume and contour of the breasts were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: After implant removal in cases of severe capsular contracture, breast augmentation may be needed. Serial fat grafting before augmentation using implants prevents scarring of the breast envelope and provides sufficient volume with a secure breast envelope.