Breast Implant Explantation and Asterisk Remodeling

The use of silicone implants has changed breast augmentation surgery, whether for esthetic or reconstructive reasons. Recently, there have been new discussions about the safety of these implants and increased demands for explant surgery. Reasons include patients’ request, rupture of devices, capsular contracture, fear of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), squamous cell carcinoma and the controversial silicone disease. Regardless of the indication for removal or exchange, implants are not definitive devices. Removal causes an important change in the shape of the breast, which when performed in isolation can generate dissatisfaction and often a feeling of mutilation. The explant technique should involve the removal of the device and surgical treatment of the capsule, associated with a breast restructuring procedure. The objective of this study is to report the case of a patient who underwent explantation after implant rupture, with fat grafting and tissue restructuring using the asterisk technique.

Keywords
breast; breast implants; implant capsular contracture; mammaplasty; safety-based medical device withdrawals