J Korean Soc Plast Reconstr Surg.  2009 Nov;36(6):767-772.

Capsular Flaps for Correcting Implant Palpability in Secondary Augmentation Mammoplasty

• Yoo G
• Lee PK

Abstract

PURPOSE
Among reasons for reoperations in augmentation mammoplasty, palpable implant, due to thin skin is relatively common, but not easy to correct, especially if thin skin area is wide. The capsule around the implant is a physiologic response to foreign body, naturally formed, and suitable for use as a flap because of its high vascularity. Authors report that capsular flap is very effective and successful method for correction of implant palpability in secondary breast augmentation.
METHODS
From September 2007 to September 2008, the capular flaps were performed on 5 patients having palpable and wrinkling breast implants due to very thin skin among the cases on whom secondary augmentation mammaplasty had been performed. After the capsular flap was elevated according to thin skin area, the capsular flap was turned down or over to cover the thin skin area and made the thin skin area thick.
RESULTS
Post-implant palpable breast wrinkling had been successfully corrected by capsular flaps and breast implants were not palpable any more during the follow-up period (average 9.2 months). All patients who suffered from deformed breast were satisfied.
CONCLUSION
Authors suggest that the capsular flap be a ideal, effective and useful method in management of implant palpability.

Keyword

Capsular flap; Implant palpability; Breast augmentation

MeSH Terms

Breast
Breast Implants
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Foreign Bodies
Humans
Mammaplasty
Skin