Optimal intraoperative selection of the projection of silicone breast implant using simplified cotton sizers

Abstract

Background: It is occasionally difficult to accurately measure the projection of the unaffected breast in unilateral breast reconstruction and decide the optimal projection of a silicone breast implant (SBI). SBI ready-made sizers are useful for selecting the optimal SBI; however, the cost of procuring multiple types of this ready-made sizers is high. Therefore, we aimed to develop a novel technique for selecting SBIs using simplified cotton sizers, intraoperatively. Methods: We applied the novel technique on 15 patients who underwent SBI-based breast reconstruction after simple mastectomy, among whom two or three SBI candidates had similar height and width but different projection. The breast reconstructed using a cotton SBI sizer was compared with the unaffected breast in the sitting position. We then selected the optimal SBI with a little higher projection than that of the unaffected breast. At the postoperative 1 year, we confirmed whether we could select better SBI among the prepared SBIs. Results: Creating and applying the cotton SBI sizer required approximately 10 min in all cases. Optimal SBI selection among the prepared SBIs was seen in 14 cases; capsule contracture occurred in 1 case. Conclusions: A simplified cotton SBI sizer is recommended because it is easy and inexpensive to develop and provides reliable assistance in identifying the optimal SBI projection.