SMS-Split Muscle Support: A Reproducible Approach for Breast Implant Stabilization.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science
• Oncology

Background:

• Concerns linking macrotextured breast implants to anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) have increased interest in smooth implants.
• Smooth implants offer a lower ALCL risk but face challenges with adherence and stability, potentially leading to bottoming-out.
• The split muscle support (SMS) technique has been utilized to improve inferolateral support for smooth implants in augmentation procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and complication rates of the split muscle support (SMS) technique in conjunction with smooth breast implants.
• To assess the safety and reproducibility of the SMS technique for breast augmentation and augmentation-mastopexy.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 387 consecutive patients undergoing breast augmentation or augmentation-mastopexy using smooth implants and the SMS technique.
• The SMS technique's implant support was graded based on the degree of pectoralis major muscle coverage.
• Patient outcomes were followed for an average of 13 months.

Main Results:

• Major complications occurred in 1.9% of patients, with 1.4% considered implant-related.
• Complications included one case of implant rotation, three of malposition, and one of capsular contracture.
• Three patients required reoperation for skin adjustment after massive weight loss, and one requested implant upsizing.

Conclusions:

• The split muscle support (SMS) technique is a reproducible and adjustable method for stabilizing smooth breast implants.
• This technique, combined with smooth implants, can achieve low complication and reoperation rates.
• SMS offers a viable solution for patients seeking reduced ALCL risk while maintaining implant stability.