A Rationale for Micro-textured Breast Implant Augmentation

Textured breast implants have been used in aesthetic breast surgery to decrease rates of malposition and capsular contracture. Recent concerns regarding breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)'s link to textured devices have prompted many physicians to reevaluate their use.

The authors aimed to create an algorithm for when to use smooth vs micro-textured breast implants and provide their rationale for when micro-textured implants may be more beneficial.

In total, 133 patients received primary augmentations performed by a single surgeon from January 2018 to December 2020; 84 patients received smooth implants and 49 patients received micro-textured implants. All surgeries were performed in the dual plane using an inframammary incision. Implant-related complications and scar malposition were recorded and compared between groups.

No significant difference in the prevalence of implant-related complications was found (3.57% for smooth devices and 2.04% for micro-textured devices [P-value 0.621257; 95% CI -0.06100 to 0.007467]). There were no cases of BIA-ALCL. A comparison of scar malposition rates between the smooth and micro-textured groups also revealed no statistically significant difference (15.4% for smooth devices and 8.16% for micro-textured devices [P-value 0.226156; 95% CI -0.1200 to 0.007467]). Patients in the micro-textured group proportionately had more anatomical risk factors for malposition.

Micro-textured breast implants continue to be a safe and effective choice for patients. Micro-textured implants show a trend toward decreased scar malposition, although not statistically significant. Patients at high risk for malposition with micro-textured breast implants give similar results to patients at average risk for malposition with smooth implants.