Transaxillary Endoscopic Approach to Capsular Contracture Following Previous Breast Augmentation: Operative Technique and Clinical Outcome.

[BACKGROUND] Capsular contracture (CC) is a complication of breast augmentation that frequently requires revision surgery. The axillary approach reduces the visibility of the postoperative scar. It is unclear whether the previous incision can be used to repair the deformity caused by CC.

[METHODS] This study analyzed 21 patients (42 breasts) with grade III-IV CC during 2012-2017. The mean age of the patients was 32 years (range 23-48). Previous axillary scars were used to expose, and CCs were taken out completely or partially. Breast implants were removed. The dissection was performed with endoscopic assistance, using electrocautery under direct visualization.

[RESULTS] The mean follow-up period was 13 months (range 6-24 months). The dissection plane was changed to dual plane. Thirty-five CCs were taken out completely. Thirty-eight breast implants taken out remained intact. None of the patients required additional surgery.

[CONCLUSION] Endoscopic-assisted treatment may be an effective technique for treating CC and avoiding the additional scar.

[LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV] This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.