-
Views
-
Cite
Cite
Giovanni Botti, Chiara Botti, Antonio Cella, Giving Patients a Chart Displaying Massage Techniques May Help to Reduce Capsular Contracture Rates, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 22, Issue 5, September 2002, Pages 458–459, https://doi.org/10.1067/maj.2002.128629
Close - Share Icon Share
Extract
To the Editor:
We read with interest Dr. Schlesinger and Dr. Heck's recent letter1 about a new pharma-cologic treatment for capsular contracture. We want to report our own experience with a different approach toward prevention of capsular contracture, which we believe can also be useful.
Over the past few years, we have observed a low rate (about 2%) of capsular contracture among our patients. From June 1997 until June 2001, we performed 288 augmentation mammaplasties in which 5 third-degree capsular contractures (according to the Baker classification) and no fourth-degree contractures developed. We make use of a “no-touch” technique2 in which we replace our powder-free gloves with new ones before handling the implants. We also use a special self-produced stainless steel “retractor-funnel” to minimize contact between the prosthesis and skin. In 95% of cases, we preferred retromuscular placement. To avoid any lateral shifting of the implants, we suggest that the patient should wear a brassiere with lateral reinforcement and anterior fastening (at the sternum level). At the same time, an elastic band placed on the superior mammary pole that pushes the prostheses downward prevents any cephalic displacement. Furthermore, we always administer antibiotics and prescribe low-dose steroids for 1 week after the operation. We recommend that patients lie prone whenever possible to compress the implants.
