Can popcorn capsulorrhaphy technique be used for over dissected implant pocket? (Photo)

Question

Updated: I had a breast augmentation revision last year after My right implant ruptured. The surgeon over dissected the pocket towards the midline / cleavage area and towards the armpit. Now I can see that one breast is clearly wider than the other and crosses the midline, so to take up more of the cleavage area. It just does not look symmetrical in shape. What’s the recommended technique to make the pocket smaller so that my breast is not crossing the midline? I don’t want smaller implants, just symmetry,

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

popcorn capsulorrhaphy technique be used for over dissected implant pocket
Capsulorrhaphy or closure of the breast pocket is frequently required during breast revision surgery. This can be performed in several different ways. The pocket can be made to shrink using a technique called Popcorn Capsulorrhaphy. With this method a surgical electrocautery unit creates heat to shrink the capsule. Much like plastic shrink wrap is used close around a gift basket. Another method uses Surgical sutures.  I generally will place several of these to check the closure of the pocket and then place a sizing implant to see the improvement in the pocket shape and contour. When I am satisfied with that result, I will place additional sutures inside the breast capsule. If this is not the first revision and previous treatments have failed. Then I will immediately move to adding the addition of a Surgical mesh to help close and reinforce the corrected pocket. This will reduce the internal space and help prevent recurrence of the displaced implant

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You probably need smaller implants to have less weight. One side has bottomed out some and the other side sits too close to the midline. both pockets can be tightened to correct this.  You may need mesh for better support, especially if you keep the same implants.

Mark Eberbach, MD · Answer

Hi have found that this technique to be very limited in its success. It can work for minimal problems.

I do take issue with your statement that the surgeon over dissected your pocket. That actually is the consequences of removing capsule with an implant failure, and not an act the surgeon could avoid in the process of your surgery.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

No posted photos? Can I popcorn capsule revision cause effective now or closing of the implant pocket is the question. I offered this technique with some suture closure, interiorly and external hyper fixed taping. Fee from $5000. Best of virtual cons

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I would not rely on the popcorn capsuleorraphy as a viable treatment option.
I suggest getting multiple in person consultations for viable second opinion assessments.
For second opinion consultations come prepared to bring with you a complete set of property before and after pictures and copies of your previous operative reports.
Those are all available from your current providers.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Can popcorn capsulorrhaphy technique be used for over dissected implant pocket? (Photo)

Answers (5)