A Single Center's Clinical Experience With Ergonomix Breast Implants

Background This retrospective study reports on the early experience of a private surgical center with Motiva Ergonomix SilkSurface SikSurface breast implants. Objectives to examine the incidence of complications and satisfaction levels in women who received primary and revision breast augmentation or augmentation-mastopexy with this device. Methods 356 consecutive patients received Motiva Ergonomix breast implants from April 2014 to October 2018 by 3 different surgeons and were followed-up for a minimum of 12 months. Complications were assessed by measuring the rate of rupture, capsular contracture, malposition, late seroma, double capsule, reoperation, symmastia, ptosis, extrusion, and infection. Satisfaction with aesthetic results was assessed by both surgeon and patient, using the Likert scale. Results Only six major complications were observed in these 356 patients (712 implants). One unilateral implant ptosis (“bottoming out”) at 12 months (0.14 %) and 2 capsular contractures (0.28 %), one at 14 months and the other at 2 years. At all time-points, 98% of the patients were “extremely satisfied or very satisfied” with the aesthetic results and surgeons categorized the outcomes as “very important or important improvement” in 96% of the cases. Conclusions Motiva Ergonomix SilkSurface devices provided high patient satisfaction up to more than 5 years postoperatively with very few complications. These data are consistent with other reports in the literature. The observed favorable outcomes might be attributed, at least in part, to Motiva Ergonomix’s bio-engineered “cell-friendly” surface.

The “Shirt Pocket” Technique—An Alternative for Augmentation-Mastopexy

Augmentation-mastopexy is a frequent procedure with high rates of early recurrence of breast ptosis, mainly after subglandular approach. The dual-plane techniques, based on the cranial dissection of the pectoralis, is the most used, but this plane does not cover the inferior pole of the breast. Then, the possibility of a downward dissection of the muscle seems to be more reasonable to retain the implant and improve postoperative results. This study aimed to review the anatomy of the pectoralis in cadavers and the use of its downward dissection to create a pocket for breast implant as a “shirt pocket.” This maneuver was associated with a superior-based dermoglandular flap to overprotect the inferior pole. No complications were related in the postoperative period. The anatomic review showed that the “shirt pocket” is a safe option if done carefully. The technique demonstrated to be feasible and seemed to be effective, being another alternative to prevent early recurrence of breast ptosis in these procedures.

Hybrid mastopexy: improving outcomes on implant-based augmentation mastopexy with fat

Background Autologous fat transplantation for breast augmentation represents an increasingly interesting technique in plastic surgery. Only a few standardized procedures are available. Hybrid augmentation mastopexy combines the benefits of autologous fat transplantation and implant-based breast augmentation mastopexy, reducing implant-related complications and prothesis size. Herein, we describe our surgical approach as a “hybrid aesthetic surgery.” Methods A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent hybrid breast augmentation and lifting with simultaneous fat grafting was carried out. Clinical outcomes, ultrasound evaluation of upper pole fullness, aesthetic postoperative results, and complications were examined. Results Eighteen patients with a mean age of 33 years (range: 24–52 years) and mean BMI of 25.8 kg/m2 (range: 21.4–32.1 kg/m2) were included in this study. Mean injected fat volume per breast was 115 cc (range: 78–144 cc). Patients were followed up for a mean of 9.4 months (range: 6–24 months). No fat necrosis or major complications were encountered during the follow-up. Patient satisfaction was high in terms of breast shape, size, and coverage of the breast implant. No recurrence of ptosis was observed yet and no secondary revision surgery was performed. Conclusions Hybrid mastopexy augmentation is an effective and safe procedure that combines the benefits of autologous fat grafting and implant-based breast augmentation. The transfer of autologous soft tissue allows obtaining a natural breast shape, reducing the onset of rippling and prothesis size. The reduction of prothesis size prevents ptosis recurrence but provides the desired projection. This reliable option improves long-term breast shape with elevated patient’s satisfaction. Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Why Do Canadians Travel Abroad for Cosmetic Surgery? A Qualitative Analysis on Motivations for Cosmetic Surgery Tourism

Background: Canadians are increasingly engaging in medial tourism. The purpose of this study was to review Canadians’ experiences with travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery, including primary motivations for seeking care outside of Canada. Methods: A qualitative analysis was conducted using semistructured interviews following a pre-determined topic guide. People who had undergone cosmetic surgery outside of Canada were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed and coded to determine motivational themes. Patients were recruited until thematic saturation was achieved. Results: Thematic saturation was achieved after recruitment of 11 patients. The most common motivational themes identified in this study for seeking cosmetic surgery outside of Canada included cost, post-operative care provided, marketing/customer service, and word-of-mouth. Member checking and theory triangulation were validation techniques used to verify identified themes. Mexico was the most common location for cosmetic tourism. The most common procedures were breast augmentation, mastopexy, and abdominoplasty. Participants gathered pre- and post-operative information primarily through pamphlets and contact with surgeons’ offices. Follow-up was only available for half of the participants in this study, and only 5 of the participants felt that they had received informed consent. Conclusions: The majority of participants engaged in cosmetic tourism due to cost reasons and the level of post-operative care provided.