A critical look at capsule contracture in subglandular versus subpectoral mammary augmentation

Abstract

A critical comparison of the contracture rate in subglandular versus subpectoral augmentations was done in a personal series (senior author's) of 100 consecutive augmentation patients, 50 with subglandular augmentation and 50 with subpectoral augmentation. The average followup for the series was 27 months. Baker's classification of capsule contracture was utilized. Overall contracture rate in the subglandular group was 58% (29 of 50 patients) while in the subpectoral group it was 22% (11 of 50 patients),ppp<0.0001. We conclude that in this personal series of patients, subpectoral placement of the prosthesis has significantly reduced but not eliminated the occurrence of capsule contracture without sacrificing a normal breast appearance.