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Implant arm: axillary compression from breast prostheses
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|March 1, 1985
Summary
Subpectoral breast implants can migrate, causing "implant arm" syndrome with arm swelling and pain. Sutures closing the superolateral pocket extension effectively correct this condition, improving function and aesthetics.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Breast Reconstruction
Background:
- Subpectoral breast reconstruction involves placing implants below the pectoral muscles.
- Surgical or traumatic extension of the implant pocket superolaterally can lead to abnormal pressure on axillary contents.
Observation:
- Prosthesis migration into the axilla can cause cosmetic deformity.
- This migration may result in "implant arm" syndrome, characterized by distal edema and dull medial arm pain.
Findings:
- A row of sutures can effectively close the superolateral pocket extension.
- This surgical correction addresses the cause of prosthesis migration and associated symptoms.
Implications:
- Suturing the superolateral pocket extension offers a solution for implant arm syndrome.
- This technique can restore both functional and cosmetic outcomes following subpectoral breast reconstruction.