[Autologous tissue transplantation (TRAM/DIEP) as an option of therapy in capsular contracture].

Free microvascular abdominal tissue transfer (TRAM/DIEP) has become standard in breast reconstruction after mastectomy. A new indication for abdominal tissue transfer is severe capsular contracture after augmentation by implants. Capsular contracture following aesthetic or reconstructive augmentation mammaplasty occurs in only a small percentage of cases, but warrants adequate therapy. Between 1999 and 2003, six patients with an average age of 35 years with symptomatic capsular contracture after augmentation mammaplasty underwent autologous tissue transfer with the free TRAM/DIEP flap. The flap was harvested either with a perforator of the deep epigastric artery (DIEP) or as muscle sparing flap (TRAM) and was anastomosed to vessels of the subscapular system. Operation time was reduced by operating with two teams. Besides minor dog-ear deformities at the donor sites, no complications were noted. Postoperatively, neither, instability of the abdominal wall nor flap loss was seen. In some cases, a secondary mastopexy was necessary. Aesthetic results concerning natural feeling and breast symmetry were graded as excellent. In our experience, the free microvascular transfer of abdominal tissue (TRAM/DIEP flap) offers a treatment option for patients seeking alternatives other than repeated capsulectomies and implant changes for severe capsular contracture.