Background: Periprosthetic capsule formation is a physiological phenomenon occurring around breast implants. In case of capsular contracture, several surgical techniques are described; among them, total capsulectomy is considered the gold standard, but it is not free of complications. A more conservative procedure is the use of "precapsular space", leaving intact the preexisting capsule. The method presents minor complications and further advantages over total capsulectomy.
Method: From November 2010 to June 2014, we treated 92 postmastecttomy patients who previously underwent implant-based reconstruction. They presented implant malposition (bottoming-out, double bubble deformity, upward migration) and different degrees of capsular contracture. The implant was repositioned in a neoprecapsular pocket. Sixty-eight out of 92 patients presented a follow-up longer than 24 months, and they are included in the present study. They were evaluated with a questionnaire 1 month before surgery, at 6 months and 2 years postoperatively. Moreover, two independent plastic surgeons completed the same questionnaire at 6 months and 2 years after surgery.
Results: Mean follow-up is 29 months. Baker III-IV capsular contracture occurred in 9.5 % of the patients, implant malposition in 2.9 % of the cases and no implant displacement rotation was observed. Patient self-assessment preoperatively and postoperatively (at 2 years) revealed improved cosmetic outcomes (p < 0.01). Surgeon assessment correlated with patient self-assessment.
Conclusion: The use of precapsular space, first described for aesthetic augmentation, is a valid alternative to total capsulectomy for the treatment of capsular contracture or implant malposition, even in the reconstructive field.
Level of evidence iv: This journal requires that the authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Keywords: Breast reconstruction; Capsular contracture; Dislocation; Implant malposition; Secondary breast reconstruction.