Before and after bilateral breast reconstruction revision in a 50-year-old breast cancer survivor. She had previously undergone nipple-sparing mastectomies and prepectoral breast implant reconstruction. She unfortunately developed left-sided capsular contracture and breast asymmetry.
A contributor to the asymmetry and left implant “malposition” was left breast implant rupture, confirmed on MRI examination prior to surgery. MRI is the most accurate imaging modality to determine whether a breast implant is intact or not. Inflammation resulting from implant breakdown caused additional scar tissue to form around the implant, causing it to rise in the pocket and sit up too high and feel firm to the touch.
The cause of her implant rupture was not known; thankfully, every decade or so breast implant technology improves. Our current generation of breast implants are sturdier and have greater longevity than this patient’s original implants.
Her breast revision involved bilateral capsulectomy (removal of scar tissue and reestablishment of the original breast footprint) and implant exchange. Long-term follow up photos are shown 12 years after surgery. She has maintained good breast symmetry and a soft, natural-looking and feeling breast reconstruction result.
*All photos are actual patient photographs and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
