The Effects of Antileukotriene Agents on Capsular Contracture: An Evidence-Based Analysis

Current Trends in Breast Augmentation: An International Analysis

BACKGROUND

Breast augmentation surgery remains the most frequently performed aesthetic surgical procedure worldwide. However, many variations exist regarding preoperative planning, surgical management, and postoperative care.

OBJECTIVES

The goal was to evaluate current trends and practices in breast augmentation, with a focus on international variability.

METHODS

A questionnaire was sent to over 5000 active breast surgeons in 44 countries worldwide. The survey inquired about current controversies, new technologies, common practices, secondary procedures, and surgeon demographics. The findings and variations were evaluated and correlated to evidence-based literature.

RESULTS

There were a total 628 respondents equaling a response rate of approximately 18%. While certain approaches and common practices prevail also on an international basis, there exist several geographic controversies. For example, while almost fifty percent of surgeons in the United States and Latin America never use anatomically shaped implants, in Europe and Oceania most surgeons use them. Similarly, in Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, over 80% of surgeons use silicone implants only, whereas in the United States only 20% use them - meanwhile US surgeons use the largest implants (78% > 300 cc). Internationally dominant practice preferences include preoperative sizing with silicone implants, as well as the use of inframammary incisions and partial submuscular pockets.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant differences exist when comparing most common surgical breast augmentation approaches on an international basis. While certain techniques seem to be universal standards, there still remain several controversies. Further standardizing this most common aesthetic surgical procedure according to evidence-based guidelines will help to improve outcomes.

Secondary Breast Augmentation

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Assess common clinical problems in the secondary breast augmentation patient. 2. Describe a treatment plan to correct the most common complications of breast augmentation. 3. Provide surgical and nonsurgical options for managing complications of breast augmentation. 4. Decrease the incidence of future complications through accurate assessment, preoperative planning, and precise surgical technique.

SUMMARY

Breast augmentation has been increasing steadily in popularity over the past three decades. Many of these patients present with secondary problems or complications following their primary breast augmentation. Two of the most common complications are capsular contracture and implant malposition. Familiarity and comfort with the assessment and management of these complications is necessary for all plastic surgeons. An up-to-date understanding of current devices and techniques may decrease the need to manage future complications from the current cohort of breast augmentation patients.

The Collagenase of the Bacterium Clostridium histolyticum for the Treatment of Capsular Fibrosis after Silicone Implants

BACKGROUND

The main part of the fibrotic capsule in capsular contracture is collagen. The collagenase of the bacterium Clostridium histolyticum is U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved for the treatment of Dupuytren contracture and might be capable of dissolving the fibrotic capsule surrounding silicone implants.

METHODS

One hundred twenty days after insertion of miniature silicone implants the authors performed in vitro studies (n = 14) for optimum dosage-finding and subsequent in vivo studies (n = 36) to evaluate application method and efficiency. Data analysis involved histologic measurements of capsule thickness and collagen density; 7-T magnetic resonance imaging-based in vivo imaging; and polymerase chain reaction analysis of inflammatory, profibrotic, and antifibrotic markers.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, each dosage showed significantly thinner capsules after in vitro incubation. Skin digestion occurred in 0, 1 (7 percent), and 11 cases (80 percent) after incubation with 0.3, 0.9, and 1.8 mg/ml, respectively. In vivo application showed a dosage-dependent decrease in capsule formation, which was more prominent in lower capsule parts, seen by magnetic resonance imaging. In vivo skin perforation was seen in two (17 percent) and six cases (50 percent) after injection of 0.3 mg/ml and 0.9 mg/ml, respectively. Profibrotic and inflammatory markers were significantly up-regulated 10 days after collagenase injection.

CONCLUSIONS

The collagenase of C. histolyticum is capable of dissolving the fibrotic capsule surrounding silicone implants. Skin perforation occurred most likely because of mechanical irritation after complete digestion of the capsule. Further studies are required to pave the way for safe clinical application.

An innovative procedure for the treatment of primary and recurrent capsular contracture (CC) following breast augmentation

BACKGROUND

Capsular contracture (CC) is the most frequently reported complication following alloplastic breast augmentation. At present, none of the available preventive measures are effective, and various treatment modalities have been advocated. Reduction of the inflammatory process is critical for successful treatment. Late intracapsular glucocorticosteroid (GC) injections have been somewhat effective for the treatment, but the fine balance between the effectiveness of therapeutic GC dosages and their potential serious side effects is of utmost importance.

OBJECTIVES

The authors investigate whether instillation of a rapid-acting water-soluble GC in the implant pocket during the early proliferative phase of wound healing is more effective than delayed instillation during the remodeling phase.

METHODS

Between 2003 and 2009, 33 consecutive patients presenting with CC (Baker grades III and IV) were managed by capsulectomy with implant replacement and corticosteroid therapy immediately as well as 2 to 3 days later through an indwelling catheter left in place for that period. This delayed but early administration is a novel technique for GC injection.

RESULTS

Complete correction of the contracture with no recurrence was achieved in all patients with a follow-up range of 2 to 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

This GC administration technique avoids the potential complications of long-term, slow corticosteroid release. It has a targeted anti-inflammatory effect, probably at a critical stage of the healing process, and could effectively prevent CC following alloplastic breast augmentation.