Subfascial breast augmentation

Abstract

Breast augmentation has been a very common procedure in plastic surgery in the last few decades with multiple options for incision location, implant design and-pocket plane. Implant position or pocket plane in breast augmentation has been the subject of some controversy because an implant can be positioned in a subglandular, retropectoral or subfascial plane (Fig. 50.1). For an optimal result, the implant must have adequate soft tissue cover; otherwise it can be palpable or visible. The position of an implant in a retroglandular space has significant disadvantages if the soft tissue cover is inadequate. In addition to implant palpability and visibility, incidences of fibrous capsular contracture, rippling and nipple sensation alteration and numbness are higher [14]. In order to obtain correction of the problems encountered in the retroglandular placement, the utilization of the retropectoral space has become commonplace. The disadvantages of subpectoral placement include a more invasive procedure, increased postoperative discomfort and visible flattening or distortion of the breast when the pectoral muscle is contracted [14]. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.