Does Implant Insertion with a Funnel Decrease Capsular Contracture? A Preliminary Report.

Background: Capsular contracture remains a common and dreaded complication of breast augmentation. The etiology of capsular contracture is believed to be multi-factorial, and its causes may include biofilm formation due to implant/pocket contamination with skin flora. It has been shown that insertion funnel use reduces skin contact and potential contamination by 27-fold in a cadaver model.

Four-dimensional breast imaging, part II: clinical implementation and validation of a computer imaging system for breast augmentation planning.

Background: No publications exist describing the impact of three-dimensional imaging on the consultation process for breast augmentation, nor have existing software products claiming simulation features been validated.

Objectives: The authors describe the application of four-dimensional technology during patient consultation to assist in planning implant size and type.

Methods: Forty-six primary breast augmentation patients underwent preoperative consultation with 4D simulation software; 35 out of 46 also received follow-up imaging.

Four-dimensional breast imaging, part I: introduction of a technology-driven, evidence-based approach to breast augmentation planning.

Although there are many three-dimensional imaging systems currently available on the market, all of them require a high degree of interaction on the part of the user, making them clinically impractical. Moreover, though claims have been made regarding the validity of these systems for imaging the breast form, there have been no previous reports validating any commercially-available implant simulation models in the plastic surgery literature. In this article, the authors describe the development and evaluate the efficacy of a novel four-dimensional (automated three-dimensional) breast imaging system, validating it as an evidence-based simulation tool for patient consultation, surgical planning, and outcomes analysis in cosmetic breast augmentation.

Incidence of breast and chest wall asymmetries: 4D photography.

Background: Few authors have addressed preoperative soft tissue and chest wall analysis as it pertains to asymmetries that must be identified for preoperative breast augmentation planning.

Objectives: The authors evaluate the incidence of breast and chest wall asymmetries.

Methods: In the present study, 125 consecutive patients underwent a voluntary dimensional analysis by a single practitioner, followed by a confirmatory 4D photographic analysis.

A technique for correcting witch's chin deformity.

A new technique for soft-tissue correction of the retraced submental fold in the Witch's Chin deformity is described. An illustrative case report demonstrating our technique, results, and the pathogenesis of this condition is presented. An anatomical analysis of the underlying etiology of the condition and tailored treatment strategies are outlined.