Treatment of established capsular contracture after previous submuscular or subglandular breast augmentation. A seven-year experience in treating established capsular contracture after augmentation mammaplasty by relocating implants to the “dual-plane”.

A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who were treated for capsular contracture using this technique between 1993-1999. Data included the date of original augmentation, original implant location, date of revision, type of implant used, length of follow-up, outcome, and any complications. Patients were revised such that their implants were relocated to a “dual plane,” with the superior 2/3 of the implant located beneath the pectoralis major muscle, and the inferior 1/3 located subglandularly.

Eighty five patients were reviewed. 54 had their original implants in a submuscular position, and 31 had their initial augmentation in a subglandular position. Average time from previous augmentation to revision was 9 years 9 months. Average follow-up after conversion to the “dual-plane” was 11.5 months. Only 3/85 patients required reoperation for complications, all of which involved implant malposition. 98% of patients converted “dual plane” were free of capsular contracture and were Baker Class I at follow-up, while 2% were judged as Baker class II. There were no Baker level III or IV contractures.