Background: Traditionally, breast implant extraction and capsular contracture treatment are performed using the transareolar approach. However, this approach is not acceptable to Chinese patients because of the additional scar formation. The authors present their experience using capsular contracture treatment using transaxillary endoscopic assistance without the need for an additional incision.
Methods: The former transaxillary incisional scar for augmentation mammoplasty is used. Blunt dissection to the outer surface of the fibrous capsule is performed. A 30 degrees 10-mm endoscope is placed through the axillary incision for dissection of the capsule's outer surface. After completion of this procedure, the capsule is cauterized open, and extraction is completed. Transaxillary capsulectomy is performed under endoscopic control. The reimplantation is performed with the no-touch technique after an adequate pocket has been created.
Results: From October 2005 to September 2006, 11 patients were treated with the described procedure. The results were favorable during a follow-up period of 4 to 6 months. No scar was left on the breast, and no additional scarring occurred.
Conclusions: Endoscopic transaxillary capsular contracture treatment through the axillary incision was possible, with successful removal of the fibrous capsule. The technique eliminated the incision on the breast and created one incision far from the breast area for completion of the procedure.