PERTHESE implant-identical cohesive-gel sizers in breast augmentation: A prospective report on 200 consecutive cases and implications for treatment of breast asymmetry

Abstract

Background: The insertion of sizers in breast augmentation surgery is a common method of predicting the final volume of prosthesis required. However, saline-filled sizers may not accurately represent the shape of the cohesive-gel-augmented breast. PERTHESE cohesive-gel breast implants are produced with matching sets of reusable (sterilizable) cohesive-gel-filled sizers that accurately predict the form of the augmented breast.Objectives: The authors assess the efficacy of PERTHESE sizers and implants in 200 consecutive patients who presented for breast augmentation.Methods: Data were prospectively collected for all patients who underwent bilateral breast augmentation between 2003 and 2010 with the senior author (BGHL), during which time he inserted PERTHESE implants exclusively in his clinical practice. The 200 patients included in this series were analyzed according to demographic details, preoperative findings (including the presence of breast asymmetry), surgical approach, postoperative patient and surgeon satisfaction scores, and complications.Results: Less than 2% of patients in this series experienced complications such as hematoma, seroma formation, or infection. Capsular contracture developed in 7% of patients, but there were no visible or painful capsules. Only 2% of patients elected to undergo surgical revision for aesthetic reasons. A high proportion (87%) of the 27 patients who had significant preoperative breast asymmetry were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome of their surgery. Likewise, a significant percentage (92%) of the 148 patients who had preoperative breast symmetry were satisfied with their outcome.Conclusions: Application of intraoperative form-stable cohesive-gel sizers can enhance the surgeon's ability to predict the final appearance of the augmented breast. The placement of these form-stable sizers and implants is a particular advantage in cases of established breast asymmetry. © 2012 The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc.