Synthetic Reabsorbable Mesh (GalaFLEX) as Soft Tissue Adjunct in Breast Augmentation Revision Surgery
Ernesto Maria Buccheri, Amedeo Villanucci, Patrick Mallucci, Giovanni Bistoni, Roy De Vita
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A significant number of patients with a previous submuscular breast augmentation require a revision surgical procedure during their long-term follow-up period that involves changing the implant pocket from submuscular to subglandular. Reduced soft tissue thickness represents a major concern, discouraging surgeons from undertaking this approach. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether a synthetic resorbable mesh used as a supplemental covering device was safe and yielded improved soft tissue thickness and protection against capsular contracture in patients undergoing implant plane shift to subglandular. METHODS: A retrospective review of 34 patients who underwent revision of a previous breast augmentation involving implant change in a subglandular pocket and upper pole GalaFLEX (Galatea Surgical, BD; Franklin Lakes, NJ) mesh coverage was conducted. Onset of minor and major complications was recorded during short- and medium-term follow-up. Patient satisfaction was assessed via an anonymous questionnaire administered 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, which ranged from a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 28 months, no minor or major complications were reported. In particular, no wrinkling/rippling or significant capsular contracture onset was observed. High levels of patient satisfaction were determined, according to self-reporting questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: The initial results of this preliminary report from this case series demonstrate the safety of GalaFLEX as a supplemental device in terms of improved soft tissue coverage of the implant for complex revisional cases in breast augmentation.