[Evaluation of asymmetric implants in breast augmentation surgery].

Since more than 30 years, the quality of breast implants has continued to evolve in order to improve the aesthetic results of prosthetic augmentation. Shapes and materials of these implants have also evolved to obtain stronger and more reliable prostheses almost similar to the natural breast. Therefore it can be considered that the use of asymmetric implants is the last step in implant technology before using made to measure implants. Asymmetric implants allow obtaining different contours in harmony to the different breast shapes capable to reproduce faithfully, in all dimensions, the anatomy of the female breast, including the differences between each side which maximise the naturalness of the result. Such implants have an axis directed towards the exterior and lower part of the chest wall, are wider than high with a thinner part on their inner edge and a concave rear side moulding the curves of the chest wall. In our own experience, we placed between 2002 and 2004, asymmetric implants in 100 patients. Such implants were easy to place and no secondary rotation was observed. The control of secondary displacements even in case of prosthesis change seems to be linked to their concave rear side, roughness and asymmetry. When analysing retrospectively the medical records, no distinctive features were observed when compared to symmetric classic implants in easiness in the surgical procedure or in complications except a slightly higher rate of seroma formation. However asymmetric implants are less appropriate in case of major breast ptosis, patients being unsatisfied by the "too natural" breast shape. Moreover a high risk of secondary rotation seems to be real in such cases. In summary, for all these reasons, asymmetric implants, are gradually considered to be a first-rank choice for implants in breast augmentation cosmetic surgery.