Thinking Outside the Black Box: Current Perceptions on Breast Implant Safety and Utility.

BACKGROUND: There is growing public concern surrounding breast implant safety. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently proposed changes to breast implant labeling, which include a boxed warning. Given such efforts to increase transparency on breast implant safety, this study assessed laywomen's perceptions of breast implant safety, and the impact of proposed changes to breast implant labeling on laywomen's decision-making regarding breast implants. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional investigation of women recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk. Discrete choice modeling was used to query opinions on breast implants after viewing proposed labeling changes. Chi-square and analysis of variance were used for subgroup analyses, and McNemar analyses were used to assess changes in participants' responses. RESULTS: The authors received 500 survey responses. At baseline, 353 participants (70.6 percent) considered breast implants to be at least somewhat safe. After viewing the proposed boxed warning, 252 participants (50.4 percent) responded that they would be less likely to receive implants. In fact, a significantly greater proportion of participants considered breast implants to be either unsafe or very unsafe after viewing suggested changes to implant labeling than at baseline (58.4 percent versus 28.8 percent; p = 0.001). By the end of the survey, willingness to consider alternative options for breast augmentation/reconstruction increased significantly from baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Improved labeling can enhance laywomen's understanding of breast implant safety and can impact decision-making. However, greater scrutiny of breast implants should not prevent women who need implants from receiving them. Transparency and objectivity in the surgeon-patient dialogue can ensure the appropriate use of medical devices such as breast implants.

Sistematización de la mastopexia con implantes: Técnica reglada / Systematizing mastopexy with implants: Regulated tecnhique

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVO: La mastopexia combinada con implantes que presentamos bajo la denominación Técnica reglada, tiene como finalidad el tratamiento en forma simultánea del volumen y posición de la mama usando implantes de gel de silicona, logrando así el aumento y levantamiento de la mama en un solo tiempo quirúrgico, mediante una sistematización en pasos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Describimos esta sistematización basada en 5 reglas fundamentales y presentamos un estudio sobre pacientes que consultaron por hipotrofia, tejido mamario inconsistente y ptosis mamaria con o sin pérdida masiva de peso, en la Unidad de Cirugía Plástica y Posbariátrica de Caracas, Venezuela, entre 2009 y 2019. RESULTADOS: Practicamos mastopexia por Técnica reglada en 481 pacientes entre 19 y 61 años de edad, en las que el 37.63% (n=181) presentaban condición postbariátrica, 23.91% (n=115) fueron cirugías primarias y 56.13% (n=270) cirugías secundarias. En el 84.62% (n=407) realizamos mastopexia con técnica de pedículo superior, que fue la más frecuentemente utilizada en pacientes sin condición postbariátrica (54%); la mastopexia con técnica de pedículo inferior fue la menos utilizada, en el 2.49% (n=12), y mayormente en pacientes con condición postbariátrica (83.33%). En cuanto al patrón de piel, realizamos cicatrices mínimas en el 84% (n=404) y T invertida en el 16% (n=77). Empleamos implantes de silicona redondos con un rango de volumen de 400 a 500 cc en el 62.37% (n=300). Las complicaciones se dieron en el 14.34% (n=69), siendo las más frecuentes: licuefacción grasa (3.95 %), celulitis (3.53%) y seroma (3.11%), con cirugía de revisión en 3 casos. CONCLUSIONES: El paso a paso de la Técnica reglada ofrece al cirujano una guía práctica para realizar en forma efectiva la combinación de mastopexia con el uso de implantes mamarios, con bajo índice de complicaciones demostrado a través de nuestra casuística

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Mastopexy combined with implants that we present with the denomination Regulated technique, aims to simultaneously treat the volume and position of the breast, using silicone gel implants, thus achieving the increase and lifting of the breast in a single surgical time, through a systematization of steps. METHODS: We describe this systematization based on 5 main rules, and present an study in patients who consulted for hypotrophy, inconsistent breast tissue and breast ptosis with or without massive weight loss, carried out in patients who attended the Plastic and Postbariatric Surgery Unit (Caracas, Venezuela) during the period 2009-2019. RESULTS: Mastopexy was performed by Regulated technique in 481 patients between 19 and 61 years old; 37.63% (n=181) had postbariatric condition, 23.91% (n=115) were primary surgeries, 56.13% (n=270) secondary surgeries; 84.62% (n=407) underwent mastopexy with the superior pedicle technique, being the most frequently used in patients without post-bariatric condition (54%), and mastopexy with the inferior pedicle technique was the least used, only in (2.49%) (n=12), and mostly in patients with post-bariatric condition (83.33%). Regarding the skin pattern, minimal scars were made in 84% (n=404) and inverted T in 16% (n=77). Round silicone implants with a volume range of 400 to 500 cc were used in 62.37% (n=300). Complications occurred with an incidence of 14.34% (n=69), the most frequent being: fat liquefaction (3.95%), cellulite (3.53%) and seroma (3.11%), only requiring revision surgery in 3 cases. CONCLUSIONS: The step by step of the Regulated technique offers the surgeon a practical guide to effectively perform the combination of mastopexy with the use of breast implants, with a low rate of complications demonstrated by our clinical series

Reconstrucción inmediata mediante implante directo tras quimioterapia neoadyuvante. ¿Es una práctica segura? / Direct-to-implant breast reconstruction after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: A safe option?

Introducción: La reconstrucción inmediata (RMI) tras mastectomía en pacientes que han recibido quimioterapia neoadyuvante (QTNA) sigue siendo controvertida. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar y comparar resultados oncológicos y las tasas de complicaciones y reintervención en pacientes sometidas a QTNA y un grupo control. Métodos: Análisis observacional retrospectivo de casos-controles. Pacientes con cáncer de mama intervenidas de mastectomía bilateral con RMI (MBRMI) mediante prótesis directa durante el periodo 2000-2016. Grupo que recibió QTNA emparejadas máximo 1:5 respecto a las pacientes sin QTNA (grupo control). Evaluamos diferencias entre grupos mediante test χ2 o Fisher (variables cualitativas), U de Mann-Whitney o t de Student (variables cuantitativas). Análisis de supervivencia mediante curvas de Kaplan-Meier y test de log-rank (SPSS 22.0). Resultados: Un total de 171 pacientes con MBRMI, 62 pacientes (36,3%) tras QTNA y 109 pacientes (63,7%) en grupo control sin QTNA. Mediana de seguimiento de 52,0 (RIQ: 23,0-94,0) meses. La indicación para practicar una MBRMI más frecuente en ambos grupos es la elección de la paciente (32,7%). No hay diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos en cuanto a tasa de complicaciones (24,2% en el grupo QTNA y 19,3% en el grupo control [p = 0,44]). Sí existen diferencias en resultados oncológicos. Las pacientes del grupo QTNA tienen 3 veces más riesgo que las pacientes del grupo control de presentar recidiva en un momento determinado del tiempo (3,009 [1,349-6,713]) según el análisis univariante. Conclusiones: La RMI mediante prótesis directa tras mastectomías ahorradoras de piel es una opción viable de tratamiento para pacientes con cáncer de mama que reciben QTNA

Introduction: Immediate reconstruction (IBR) after mastectomy in patients who have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) remains controversial. The aim of this study is to analyze and compare oncological results as well as complication and reoperation rates in patients undergoing NACT and a control group. Methods: Retrospective observational case-control study of patients with breast cancer who underwent bilateral mastectomy and direct-to-implant IBR (BMIBR) from 2000-2016. The group that received NACT was matched 1:5 to patients without NACT (Control group). We evaluated differences between groups using the χ2 or Fisher test (qualitative variables), Mann-Whitney U or Student's t-test (quantitative variables). The survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank test (SPSS 22.0). Results: The study included a total of 171 patients with BMIBR: 62 patients (36.3%) after NACT and 109 patients (63.7%) in the control group without NACT. Median follow-up was 52.0 (IQR: 23.0-94.0) months. In both groups, the indication for BMIBR was patient choice (32.7%). There were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of complication rate (24.2% in the NACT group and 19.3% in the control group [P = .44]), but differences in oncological results were found. Patients in the NACT Group had three times more risk of recurrence at a given time than patients in the control group (3.009 [1.349-6.713]) according to the univariate analysis. Conclusions: Direct-to-implant IBR after skin-sparing mastectomy is a viable option for breast cancer patients undergoing NACT

Direct-to-implant breast reconstruction after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: A safe option? / Reconstrucción inmediata mediante implante directo tras quimioterapia neoadyuvante. ¿Es una práctica segura?

INTRODUCTION: Immediate reconstruction (IBR) after mastectomy in patients who have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) remains controversial. The aim of this study is to analyze and compare oncological results as well as complication and reoperation rates in patients undergoing NACT and a control group. METHODS: Retrospective observational case-control study of patients with breast cancer who underwent bilateral mastectomy and direct-to-implant IBR (BMIBR) from 2000-2016. The group that received NACT was matched 1:5 to patients without NACT (Control group). We evaluated differences between groups using the χ2 or Fisher test (qualitative variables), Mann-Whitney U or Student's t-test (quantitative variables). The survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank test (SPSS 22.0). RESULTS: The study included a total of 171 patients with BMIBR: 62 patients (36.3%) after NACT and 109 patients (63.7%) in the control group without NACT. Median follow-up was 52.0 (IQR: 23.0-94.0) months. In both groups, the indication for BMIBR was patient choice (32.7%). There were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of complication rate (24.2% in the NACT group and 19.3% in the control group [P=.44]), but differences in oncological results were found. Patients in the NACT Group had three times more risk of recurrence at a given time than patients in the control group (3.009 [1.349-6.713]) according to the univariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Direct-to-implant IBR after skin-sparing mastectomy is a viable option for breast cancer patients undergoing NACT.

Linfoma anaplásico de células grandes asociado a implantes mamarios (LACG-AIM): capeando los desafíos de un clima rápidamente cambiante / BIA-ALCL: weathering the challenges of a rapidly changing climate

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Actuaciones desde FILACP y para FILACP en torno al linfoma anaplásico de células grandes asociado a implantes mamarios (LACG-AIM) / Actions from FILACP and to FILACP about breast implants associated anaplastic large cell limphoma (BIA-ALCL)

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Novas tecnologias e inovações em cirurgia mamária / New technologies and innovations in breast surgery

Introdução: A cirurgia de mama, especialmente as associadas aos implantes de silicone, teve uma crescente popularização, tornando-se a cirurgia plástica mais realizada no mundo. Junto com esta proliferação, observa-se um aumento da preocupação com a segurança dos implantes mamários de silicone, pelas intercorrências relacionadas. Objetivo: Revisar métodos existentes para minimizar as complicações relacionadas com implante mamário de silicone, bem como as tecnologias existentes e tendências tecnológicas para implantes mamários de silicone. Métodos: Foi realizada revisão de artigos científicos relacionados com novas tecnologias e tendências para redução das complicações relacionadas com implantes mamários de silicone, bem como as patentes e fabricantes de implante de silicone mamário. Resultados: Identificamos inicialmente 78 referências, sendo reduzido para 40 para publicação, todos com linhas de pesquisas que buscam melhores resultados e redução das complicações relacionadas com implantes de silicone, seja esta cirurgia com objetivo estético ou reconstrutivo. Conclusão: A busca por um implante mamário que reduza as possíveis e frequentes complicações, principalmente a formação do biofilme, processos infecciosos e resposta imune, é o foco da maioria das pesquisas encontradas. Com o mesmo objetivo, porém surgindo mais recentemente como alternativas, existem as pesquisas para o uso de matriz dérmica acelular e a lipoenxertia, com boas expectativas.

Introduction: Breast surgery with silicone implants is gaining popularity and has become the most performed plastic surgery worldwide. However, there is increasing concern about the safety of silicone breast implants due to associated complications. Objective: To review existing technologies, technological trends, and existing methods to minimize complications related to silicone breast implants. Methods: We conducted a literature review of articles describing new technologies and trends to reduce complications related to silicone breast implants, along with information on patents and manufacturers of silicone breast implants. Results: We initially identified 78 articles, out of which 40 were shortlisted for publication . All articles had a common aim of obtaining better results and reducing complications related to silicone implants, either in aesthetic or reconstructive surgeries. Conclusion: The search for a breast implant that reduces possible and frequent complications, especially biofilm formation, infectious processes, and abnormal immune response, was the focus of most articles studied. Acellular dermal matrix and fat grafting have been reported in the literature as promising alternatives.

A Study of the Relation Between Mastectomy Specimen Weight and Volume With Implant Size in Oncoplastic Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: There is no general consensus regarding the best and most accurate method for assessing the size of implant required for achieving the best symmetry in oncoplastic reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Breast weight, volume and size of implant were recorded prospectively on patients undergoing immediate reconstruction over a 3-year period. Cases with specimen size greater than 2,000 g were excluded. The primary endpoint was size of implant used in relation to specimen weight and volume. Secondary endpoints were the influence of age and histology on specimen weight, volume and breast density. RESULTS: A total of 278 mastectomies were performed. Correlation of implant size with volume was marginally stronger than that with weight (r=81%, p<0.001 vs. r=78.9%, p<0.001 respectively). Women aged 50 years and above had lower breast weight for the same breast volume than women under 50 years. The difference was merely 4%, but was statistically significant (p=0.001). Histology had no statistically significant influence on breast density. CONCLUSION: Specimen weight and volume were found to be closely correlated. Weight can be measured more accurately and easily with reproducible readings compared to volume.

Breast imaging for aesthetic surgery: British Society of Breast Radiology (BSBR), Association of Breast Surgery Great Britain & Ireland (ABS), British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS).

This is an overview of the guidelines for breast imaging before and after aesthetic (cosmetic) breast surgery, which includes but is not limited to implants, lipomodelling and mammoplasty procedures. The guidelines are based on a review of the literature and consensus of breast imaging and aesthetic breast surgery specialists. 1. Pre-aesthetic surgery 2. Post-aesthetic surgery If breast imaging or breast assessment is required, it should be performed in a designated breast facility with access to specialist breast imaging and a complete breast multidisciplinary team in accordance with national guidelines and recommendations.

Breast Implant Engineering and Performance.

The engineering of breast implants for both augmentation and reconstruction is centered on facilitating optimal aesthetic results pleasing to the patient, while minimizing both short- and long-term complications. Some of the key individual design elements that have been the primary focus over time have included gel cohesivity, shell thickness, shell surface, and implant gel fill. A review of these separate elements points to the potential benefits of increased focus on a combined overall performance perspective for engineering of new implants as exemplified in the recently introduced MemoryGel Xtra Breast Implants. Such an approach is expected to provide an improved and expanded range of options to facilitate obtaining desired aesthetic outcomes and long-term clinical performance.

Implant Testing and the "Strain Energy" Concept.

Benchtop performance test methodologies differ between manufacturers as regulatory agencies often leave the interpretation of testing standards up to manufacturer discretion, resulting in an inability to directly compare implants across manufacturers. Furthermore, traditional benchtop test methodologies focus on mechanical performance standards to address objective endpoints such as shell strength. However, other more difficult to define clinical performance requirements such as softness and natural feel are often difficult to measure via these methods. This review aims to discuss the evolution of breast implant testing standards, discuss the discrepancies in benchtop characterizations of implants, and highlight one manufacturer's novel approach to utilizing benchtop methodologies to quantify previously subjective endpoints such as firmness and natural feel and define their clinical relevance.

Evaluation of anatomical and round breast implant aesthetics and preferences in Dutch young lay and plastic surgeon cohort.

BACKGROUND: Literature remains inconclusive on the attractiveness and natural aspect of anatomical breast implants, and thus far, studies have failed to demonstrate the visible difference in implants that are in practice compared to those that are round. This study was undertaken to evaluate (1) whether lay and professional participants can distinguish between breasts augmented with either round or anatomical breast implants and (2) their opinion with regard to naturalness and attractiveness of these augmented breasts. METHODS: Twenty breast augmentations (10 anatomical and 10 round implants), each depicted by two postoperative pictures, were scored by 100 lay participants and 15 plastic surgeons. Implant volume ranged from 275 to 400 g. Ptotic or malformed breasts were excluded. Finally, they had to score the most natural, unnatural, attractive, and unattractive breast shapes on a schematic depiction of breast types with varying upper poles. RESULTS: The rate of correct implant identifications was 74.0% (1480/2000 observations, p < 0.001) in the lay and 67.3% (202/300 observations, p < 0.001) in the surgeon cohort. Breasts with anatomical implants were rated as significantly more natural (3.3 ± 1.0 vs. 2.6 ± 1.0, p < 0.001 and 3.3 ± 1.0 vs. 2.2 ± 0.9, p < 0.001, respectively) and more attractive (3.1 ± 1.0 vs. 2.6 ± 1.0, p < 0.001 and 3.6 ± 0.9 vs. 2.7 ± 0.9, p < 0.001, respectively) versus round implants by both lay participants and surgeons. Participants preferred breasts with a neutral or slightly negative upper pole contour. CONCLUSION: Participants were able to distinguish between the results achieved with either anatomical or round textured Allergan breast implants and found augmented breasts with the anatomical implants more natural and attractive.

In vitro degradation of polydimethylsiloxanes in breast implant applications.

BACKGROUND: The durability of breast implant material is associated with failure probability, increasing with time from implantation. The current study avoided the bias introduced by biological factors, to systematically investigate the degradation over time of shell materials. The same fundamental physical and chemical conditions were maintained (temperature and pH) throughout the study, to decouple biological aspects from the degradation process. METHODS: Six virgin implants of 2 brands were submitted to the in vitro degradation process, mechanical testing of shell materials, surface change analysis (via scanning electron microscopy [SEM]) and chemical composition analysis by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. RESULTS: FTIR results showed that the principal chemical bonds of the material remained intact after 12 weeks of degradation. Apparently the implants' shell structures remained unchanged. Despite this observation, there were statistically significant differences between strain at failure at different time points for the shells of both brands, translated into a stiffening of the material over time. CONCLUSIONS: Material stiffening is reported as an indicator of material degradation. This altered mechanical behavior, added to the mechanical friction from tissue-tissue and tissue-implant contact and to the external mechanical loading (physical activity), may alter the material performance in women's bodies. Ultimately these changes may affect the implants' durability. Further work is needed to understand the biological aspects of the degradation process and their impact on implant durability.

Mechanical Performance of Poly Implant Prosthesis (PIP) Breast Implants: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: There is societal concern regarding potential health problems associated with breast implants. Much of this distrust climate was a reaction to the Poly Implant Prosthesis (PIP) scandal. Studying the mechanisms of implant rupture is an important step for their improvement. The mechanical behaviour of breast implant shells was studied on explanted and virgin implants. Implants from both PIP and another brand (brand X), currently in the market, were considered. METHODS: To study the mechanical behaviour of the shell, a total of 940 samples from 11 explants and 5 control implants were analysed. The experimental protocol follows the ISO standards for shell integrity and determination of tensile stress-strain properties. Pearson correlation analyses and the multi-factor ANOVA statistical tests were performed using mechanical test data. RESULTS: Both PIP control and explants had significant variations of stress (P = 0.0001) and shell thickness (P = 0.000) throughout the implant. The stress was directly related to shell thickness. Shell thickness varied significantly for PIP implants, exceeding the manufacturer's specifications. Regarding the other brand, thickness variation was within manufacturer's specifications. CONCLUSIONS: The heterogeneous nature of PIP implants was confirmed. The implant shell thickness should be considered as a relevant parameter during the manufacturing process, for quality control purposes. These results may contribute to dispel mistrust and doubt surrounding breast implants, among the medical community and patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: 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 .

Mamoplastia de aumento com lipoenxertia autóloga: revisão da literatura e relato de caso / Breast augmentation with autologous fat grafting: literature review and case report

INTRODUÇÃO: O autotransplante do lipoaspirado na mama para fins estéticos e reconstrutivas tem avançado intensamente na técnica e na tecnologia, assim como na aceitação dos médicos e dos pacientes. O autor relata um caso de aumento mamário estético e discute a revisão da literatura, interessando a eficácia, o potencial carcinogênico e o exame de imagem. MÉTODO:Revisão da literatura no Pubmed na língua inglesa e na Revista Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica, e relato de caso da experiência inicial do autor. RESULTADO: O volume manteve-se estável a partir do segundo mês, e não houve complicações no pós-operatório. Os exames de imagem não apresentaram alterações patológicas. Foram selecionados 24 artigos relacionados. DISCUSSÃO: Dos 24 artigos, só há dois artigos prospectivos não controlados, mas, de maneira geral, não há problemas no diagnóstico nos exames por imagem, não há aumento de potencial cancerígeno, e os resultados são bons nas séries de casos. CONCLUSÃO: O procedimento é reprodutível, seguro e eficaz, consolidando-se como uma indicação no tratamento reparadora da mama e uma opção no aumento estético. Entretanto, uma curva de aprendizado mais longa pode ser necessária, para evitar complicações e atingir bons resultados.

INTRODUCTION: The technique and technology lipoaspirate autotransplantation to the breast with the aim of aesthetic appearance and reconstruction has strongly advanced; further, its acceptance by doctors and patients has also improved. The author reports cosmetic breast augmentation and performed a literature review, focusing on the efficacy, carcinogenic potential, and imaging diagnosis. METHOD:A literature review was performed using English-language articles from the PubMed database and the Brazilian Journal of Plastic Surgery (RBCP); in addition, case series of the initial experience of the author has been described. RESULTS: The volume remained stable from the second month, and there were no postoperative complications. Imaging did not show any pathological alterations. In all, 24-related articles were selected. DISCUSSION: Among the 24 articles, only two prospective non-controlled studies were found, but overall, imaging diagnostic tests did not reveal problems, the carcinogenic potential was not increased, and case series had positive results. CONCLUSION: The procedure is reproducible, safe and effective, and reinforces the use of this technique in breast reconstruction and as an option in cosmetic breast augmentation. However, it may require a longer learning curve to avoid complications and achieve good results.

Reconstrução de mama com expansor de Becker: uma análise de 116 casos / Breast reconstruction with Becker expanders: an analysis of 116 cases

INTRODUÇÃO: Os implantes-expansores de mama surgiram na década de 80 como uma alternativa de reconstrução de mama às técnicas pré-existentes. Foram criados com a intenção de produzir um bom resultado de forma e volume de mama após uma única operação, não necessitando ser substituído. Avaliar os resultados a longo prazo de reconstruções de mama com uso de expansores de Becker. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes submetidas à reconstrução de mama com implantes-expansores entre 2004 e 2012. RESULTADOS: Foram implantados 161 expansores. As complicações maiores (aquelas que levaram à retirada ou troca da prótese) totalizaram 22,98%. O expansor foi retirado e substituído por outro tipo de reconstrução em 21,74% dos casos. As principais razões que levaram à troca foram: contratura capsular (31,43%), vontade da paciente (31,43%); falhas no implante (20%). As opções cirúrgicas substitutivas para os expansores trocados foram prótese (91,43%), grande dorsal (5,71%) e TRAM (2,86%). Existem poucos trabalhos avaliando os expansores de Becker a longo prazo. Neste trabalho a taxa de substituição foi 28,57%. O estudo levanta questionamentos sobre o uso dessa técnica como reconstrução em tempo único. A taxa de cerca de 37% de novos procedimentos cirúrgicos para atingir o resultado ideal torna muito difícil o seu uso em detrimento do alto custo. Os expansores ainda permanecem úteis em casos de pacientes com comorbidades ou qualquer outro fator que limite a realização de outros tempos cirúrgicos. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de expansores de Becker como alternativa técnica de reconstrução de mama em tempo único é muito limitado. Sua indicação deve ser para casos selecionados.

INTRODUCTION: Breast expanders/implants were developed in the 1980s as a breast reconstruction alternative to pre-existing techniques. They were created to provide adequate shape and volume to the breast after one-stage surgery and they do not require replacement. To evaluate the long-term results of breast reconstruction performed with Becker expanders. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated patients who underwent breast reconstruction with implants/expanders between 2004 and 2012. RESULTS: A total of 161 expanders were implanted. Major complications (those that led to the removal or replacement of the prosthesis) comprised 22.98% of the enrolled subjects. The expander was removed and replaced by another type of reconstruction implant in 21.74% of the cases. The main reasons for the replacement were capsular contracture (31.43%), patients' desire (31.43%), and implant failure (20%). The surgical alternatives for the replaced expanders included prosthesis (91.43%), latissimus dorsi flap (5.71%), and TRAM flap (2.86%). Only few studies have evaluated the long-term effects of Becker expanders. In this study, the replacement rate was 28.57%. The study questions the use of Becker expanders as an adequate, one-stage reconstruction technique. In spite of a high rate of optimal outcomes in the new surgical procedures (37%), its use is limited because of the high costs. The expanders are still useful for patients with comorbidities or other factors that limit the performance of other surgical procedures. CONCLUSION: The use of Becker expanders as an alternative for one-stage breast reconstruction technique is very limited. Therefore, these devices should only be used in selected cases.

Mastoplastia redutora com implante submuscular para simetrização mamária em pacientes submetidas à mastectomia / Reduction mastoplasty with submuscular implants for breast symmetrization in patients undergoing mastectomy

INTRODUÇÃO: A reconstrução mamária com uso de expansores/implantes é uma das técnicas mais empregadas para tratamento das sequelas de mastectomia devido ao menor tempo cirúrgico e menor morbidade. No entanto, a manutenção da simetria com a mama contralateral a longo prazo continua a ser um grande desafio. É proposta, então, técnica de mastoplastia redutora com colocação de implante submuscular na mama contralateral de pacientes com reconstrução mamária. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídas 31 pacientes submetidas a esta técnica, cujas características principais são ressecção glandular associada à inclusão de prótese em plano subpeitoral total. Foram avaliadas as complicações e simetria de forma e volume obtida. RESULTADOS: Observou-se baixa incidência de complicações e revisões cirúrgicas, nenhum caso de perda do implante e bons resultados de simetria. CONCLUSÃO: A mastoplastia redutora com implante submuscular mostrou-se técnica segura, com bons resultados de simetria em pacientes mastectomizadas.

INTRODUCTION: Breast reconstruction with expanders/implants is one of the most common techniques used for the treatment of mastectomy-induced sequelae, due to the reduced surgical time and morbidity. However, the maintenance of long-term symmetrization in the contralateral breast remains a major challenge. The procedure of reduction mastoplasty has been developed, and is performed by positioning a submuscular implant in the contralateral breast of patients undergoing breast reconstruction. METHODS: A total of 31 patients were included in the study. Their primary characteristics were glandular resection, combined with implant insertion in the subpectoral plane. Complications, shape, symmetry, and volume were subsequently evaluated. RESULTS: A low incidence of complications and surgical revisions was observed, with no cases of implant loss. Good breast symmetry was achieved. CONCLUSION: Reduction mastoplasty with submuscular implants proved to be a safe procedure, and resulted in good breast symmetry in patients who underwent mastectomy.

Mamoplastia redutora com utilização de implantes de mamários / Reduction mammoplasty with the use of breast implants

Introdução: A evolução das técnicas de mamoplastia redutora contribuiu para tornar a cirurgia mais segura e, portanto, mais aceita pela comunidade médica. Contudo, em algumas pacientes, a estética final permanecia insatisfatória, principalmente, por resultar em mamas flácidas e sem projeção. Para alcançar melhores resultados, iniciou-se o uso do implante de mama em conjunto com a mamoplastia redutora. Ao agregar o melhor das duas técnicas, é possível obter bons resultados e a satisfação do paciente. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar o resultado das cirurgias de mamoplastia redutora com a inclusão de implantes de silicone. Métodos: Para o desenvolvimento deste trabalho, foram selecionadas 15 pacientes, do sexo feminino, com idade entre 26 a 62 anos. Todas foram submetidas à mamoplastia redutora com inclusão imediata de implante mamário. Parâmetros, como assimetria da base mamária e volume da ressecção, foram avaliados. Após o sexto mês de pós-operatório, as pacientes responderam um questionário sobre o grau de satisfação do resultado final da cirurgia, que variou de insatisfeita, satisfeita e muito satisfeita. Resultados: Apesar de apresentar um paradoxo - retirar tecido mamário para colocar um implante de silicone -, a cirurgia para redução mamária com utilização implante consegue alcançar, com êxito, o objetivo de posicionar, adequadamente, as estruturas mamárias e de proporcionar maior durabilidade do resultado tanto na consistência quanto na projeção do cone mamário. Conclusão: Pode-se concluir que a técnica apresenta bons resultados na medida em que aumenta a durabilidade do resultado cirúrgico e a satisfação das pacientes.

Introduction: Advances in reduction mammoplasty techniques have contributed to make surgery safer and more acceptable to the medical community. However, in some patients, the aesthetic outcome remains unsatisfactory, mainly because of flaccid breasts and lack of projection. To achieve optimal results, the use of breast implants in conjunction with reduction mammoplasty was initiated. By combining the best of both techniques, it is possible to obtain good results and patient satisfaction. The objective of this study is to evaluate the results of reduction mammoplasty with insertion of silicone implants. Methods: For this study, 15 female patients aged 26 to 62 years were selected. All underwent reduction mammoplasty with immediate insertion of breast implants. Parameters such as asymmetry of the breast base and resection volume were evaluated. After the sixth postoperative month, patients reported their degree of satisfaction with the final surgery result, as dissatisfied, satisfied, or very satisfied. Results: Although presenting a paradox-removing breast tissue to place a silicone implant-breast reduction surgery with the use of implants can successfully achieve the aim of proper positioning of breast structures and providing higher durability of results, both in breast consistency and in the projection of the breast cone. Conclusions: The technique achieved good results by increasing the durability of the surgical result and patient satisfaction.