Outcomes in primary breast augmentation: a single surgeon's review of 1539 consecutive cases

The use of implants in aesthetic breast surgery may lead to complications resulting in the need for reoperation. This study examines outcomes following breast augmentation in a single surgeon's practice and investigates the effect of implant selection and surgical technique on complications and reoperations.

A retrospective review of a single surgeon's prospectively maintained database over 15 years was performed. All primary bilateral breast augmentation patients were included. Implant characteristics-including implant type, fill, shape, surface, and projection; incision type; and pocket location-were collected. Complications and reasons for reoperation were analyzed using survival analysis.

One thousand five hundred thirty-nine patients with 3078 implants were included. Implant types included 596 shaped textured gel, 515 round smooth saline, 192 round textured gel, and 236 round smooth gel implants. Follow-up ranged from 0 to 155 months (average, 18 months). Total complication and reoperation rates were 6.8 and 7.7 percent, respectively. Inframammary incisions and the use of shaped textured gel implants were associated with lower rates of complications. The use of a dual-plane II or III pocket, and implant volumes over 400 cc, were associated with higher rates of complications. Full-projection round implants had rates of complications and reoperations equivalent to those of moderate-projection devices. Both textured shaped gel implants and a subpectoral pocket location were associated with the lowest rates of capsular contracture.

This large series of breast implant patients demonstrates that both implant- and technique-related factors may influence complications and reoperations in breast implant surgery.

Therapeutic, IV.