Breast Implant Capsule: A Murine Model Comparing Capsular Contracture Susceptibility Among Six Breast Implants Available in the Market.

BACKGROUND: Breast implant capsule development and behavior are mainly determined by implant surface combined with other external factors such as intraoperative contamination, radiation or concomitant pharmacologic treatment. Thus, there are several diseases: capsular contracture, breast implant illness or Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), that have been correlated with the specific type of implant placed. This is the first study to compare all major implant and texture models available in the market on the development and behave of the capsules. Through a histopathological analysis, we compared the behavior of different implant surfaces and how different cellular and histological properties give rise to different susceptibilities to develop capsular contracture among these devices. METHODS: A total of 48 Wistar female rats were used to implant 6 different types of breast implants. Mentor®, McGhan®, Polytech polyurethane®, Xtralane®, Motiva® and Natrelle Smooth® implants were employed; 20 rats received Motiva®, Xtralane® and Polytech polyurethane®, and 28 rats received Mentor®, McGhan® and Natrelle Smooth® implants. The capsules were removed five weeks after the implants placement. Further histological analysis compared capsule composition, collagen density and cellularity. RESULTS: High texturization implants showed the highest levels of collagen and cellularity along the capsule. However, polyurethane implants capsules behaved differently regarding capsule composition, with the thickest capsules but fewer collagen and myofibroblasts than expected, despite being generally considered as a macrotexturized implant. Nanotextured implants and microtextured implants histological findings showed similar characteristics and less susceptibility to develop a capsular contracture compared with smooth implants. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the relevance of the breast implant surface on the definitive capsules' development, since this is one of the most differentiated factors that determine the incidence of capsular contracture and probably other diseases like BIA-ALCL. A correlation of these findings with clinical cases will help to unify implant classification criteria based on their shell and their estimated incidence of capsule-associated pathologies. Up to this point, the establishment of additional groups is recommended as nanotexturized implants seem to behave differently to pure smooth surfaces and polyurethane implants present diverse features from macro- or microtextured implants. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. 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 .

An Experimental Murine Model to Assess Biofilm Persistence on Commercial Breast Implant Surfaces.

Capsular contracture is the most frequently associated complication following breast implant placement. Biofilm formation on the surface of such implants could significantly influence the pathogenesis of this complication. The objective of this study was to design an experimental model of breast implant infection that allowed us to compare the in vivo S. epidermidis ability to form and perpetuate biofilms on commonly used types of breast implants (i.e., macrotexturized, microtexturized, and smooth). A biofilm forming S. epidermidis strain (ATCC 35984) was used for all experiments. Three different implant surface types were tested: McGhan BIOCELL® (i.e., macrotexturized); Mentor Siltex® (i.e., microtexturized); and Allergan Natrelle Smooth® (i.e., smooth). Two different infection scenarios were simulated. The ability to form biofilm on capsules and implants over time was evaluated by quantitative post-sonication culture of implants and capsules biopsies. This experimental model allows the generation of a subclinical staphylococcal infection associated with a breast implant placed in the subcutaneous tissue of Wistar rats. The probability of generating an infection was different according to the type of implant studied and to the time from implantation to implant removal. Infection was achieved in 88.9% of macrotextured implants (i.e., McGhan), 37.0% of microtexturized implants (i.e., Mentor), and 18.5% of smooth implants (i.e., Allergan Smooth) in the short-term (p < 0.001). Infection was achieved in 47.2% of macrotextured implants, 2.8% of microtexturized implants, and 2.8% of smooth implants (i.e., Allergan Smooth) in the long-term (p < 0.001). There was a clear positive correlation between biofilm formation on any type of implant and capsule colonization/infection. Uniformly, the capsules formed around the macro- or microtexturized implants were consistently macroscopically thicker than those formed around the smooth implants regardless of the time at which they were removed (i.e., 1−2 weeks or 3−5 weeks). We have shown that there is a difference in the ability of S epidermidis to develop in vivo biofilms on macrotextured, microtextured, and smooth implants. Smooth implants clearly thwart bacterial adherence and, consequently, biofilm formation and persistence are hindered.

Masseteric nerve transference with sling tendon for symmetry in the restoration of facial paralysis: An effective combination of dynamic and static correction.

Masseteric nerve transposition has shown to be an effective technique for the treatment of facial paralysis. Due to its low morbidity at the donor site, its consistent anatomy, and one-stage operation, it constitutes a reliable option for both complete and incomplete facial paralysis. Masseteric nerve transference has proven to achieve good commissural excursion and dynamic symmetry. However, some patients with heavy faces and complete facial paralysis recover incompletely after surgery characterized by an asymmetrical smile with asymmetry at rest, affecting the cosmetic appearance. For these patients, we propose a novel combination of masseteric nerve transposition for the dynamic rehabilitation of the smile with a tendon sling suspension to create symmetry at rest. A detailed description of the surgical technique is given and results after using it with eight patients show good functional and aesthetic satisfaction. A combination of both dynamic and static techniques for complete facial paralysis rehabilitation may provide adequate symmetry with the contralateral healthy side both at rest and when smiling.

Inverted Nipple Correction Techniques: An Algorithm Based on Scientific Evidence, Patients' Expectations and Potential Complications.

BACKGROUND: Inverted nipple is a problem that affects a large number of women, with an aesthetic and functional repercussion. The literature is abundant in terms of techniques described, from the most conservative to the most aggressive. Although different techniques have been described to correct inverted nipples, there are no established algorithms to guide the surgeon in choosing the correct technique for each patient. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to present the first algorithm to simplify the inverted-nipple approach, based on the most recent scientific evidence and the patient's wishes. METHODS: A bibliographic review on this pathology and available treatments was carried out to build an algorithm. Then, 47 patients consulting about inverted nipple concerns were included in this study. First, the patient's breastfeeding concerns were discussed. Once breastfeeding concerns were known, exploration of inverted nipple and assessment based on the degree of severity was done. Different techniques were proposed according to the degree of inverted nipple. Our technique was indicated in the most severe cases of retraction. RESULTS: Forty-seven surgical and non-surgical procedures were carried out, resulting in excellent outcomes and high satisfaction rates. No complications or recurrence were observed after 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first time an algorithm to simplify the approach of the inverted nipple has been proposed based on the degree of severity and lactation wishes. Choosing the right procedure for each patient will help the plastic surgeon in achieving great satisfaction and an excellent aesthetic result. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that 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 .