Capsular contracture at a high speciality center in Mexico: a case series

Abstract

Introduction: Breast augmentation surgery is among the most frequent plastic surgery procedures worldwide. The most frequent complication related in the medium-long term is capsular contracture, however ethiology and risk factors are not fully settled down.Objective: To describe epidemiology and risk factors associated whit capsular contracture at a high speciality center in Mexico City.Material and methods: A descriptive and observational study was performed, describing epidemiological variables, associated risk factors, and histopathological analysis of patients diagnosed with capsular contracture.Results: 36 patients with a mean age of 53.7 years were included. atients did not present comorbidities, 4 were hypertense, 4 had history of cancer, 8 patients presented multiple comorbidities (gastric cancer, ischemic heart disease and venous insuffiency), and 2 hypothyroidisms. Although smoking was not the most prevalent risk factor, these patients were related to severe capsular contracture. The subglandular plane was the most used while periareolar and submammary surgical approach were chosen almost equally. 21 capsules were analyzed. It was observed that in grade I and II capsules, the collagen fibers were disorganized, abundant type III collagen and abundant cellularity were found, while in grades III and IV collagen fibers were well arranged horizontally and abundant type I collagen with low cellularity and calcification was present.Conclusions: Grade III and IV capsular contracture were the most prevalent, subglandular plane and tobacco use were related to severe capsular contracture presentation. We did not find any difference between type and implant texture used among patients.

Keywords

• capsular contracture
• breast augmentation surgery
• breast reconstruction