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Breast Implant Capsule Flaps and Grafts: A Review of the Literature

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Abstract

Background

A breast implant capsule forms as a physiological response to the foreign material. Over the past decades, authors started to consider the breast implant capsule as a new source of tissue, thus describing several capsular flaps and grafts. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the applications and indications for the use of capsular tissue flaps and grafts in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.

Methods

A review of the literature on breast implant capsule grafts and flaps was conducted. The reported surgical techniques were described and compared for indications and complications. The studies were evaluated and compared for number of patients and follow-up.

Results

The search yielded a total of 21 citations. Patient population was reported in 11 studies for capsular flaps and 2 articles for capsular grafts. Between 1997 and 2012, a total of 74 patients underwent surgery with the use of capsular tissue. Among these, 60 patients had a capsular flap (81 %) and 14 (19 %) had a capsular graft. Complications were experienced in 5 patients (6.7 %).

Conclusions

Capsular flaps and grafts are indicated mainly to address breast implant-related problems. The breast implant capsule represents a versatile and reliable source of tissue for both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.

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Conflict of interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico of Rome University, 00128, Rome, Italy

    Paolo Persichetti, Francesco Segreto, Alfonso Luca Pendolino, Romualdo Del Buono & Giovanni Francesco Marangi

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  1. Paolo Persichetti
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  2. Francesco Segreto
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  3. Alfonso Luca Pendolino
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  5. Giovanni Francesco Marangi
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Correspondence to Francesco Segreto.

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Persichetti, P., Segreto, F., Pendolino, A.L. et al. Breast Implant Capsule Flaps and Grafts: A Review of the Literature. Aesth Plast Surg 38, 540–548 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-014-0308-4

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