Partial myotomy of the pectoralis major in submuscular breast implants

Several authors report that retropectoral or submuscular placing for prostheses reduces the incidence of capsular contracture, preserves the sensitivity of the areola, and gives the breast a more natural look; however, displacement of the prosthesis when contracting the arm, shoulders, and thorax muscles is often observed. In order to prevent this deficiency, partial thickness myotomy was performed in the pectoralis major muscle. Since 1987, our team has carried out 120 subpectoral augmentation mammoplasties by submammary approaches using this procedure. The ages of the patients ranged from 19 to 44 years old. In all cases, physiological saline microtextured prostheses were used. Volumes were between 225 and 275 cc. The results were satisfactory in all cases, with no hematomas, infections or capsular contractures. The main advantage of this technique is that it prevents displacement of the prostheses after movements of the arms or shoulders.