What Exactly is "Tacking" of a Breast?

Question

I had a breast augmentation done and the day after my surgery I bottomed out on my left side, I guess from over dissection. The surgeon is going to fix it for me but he said he was going to "tack" the left side. What is this? All it says on my paper work is "left breast tacking". Also will this fix my problem and what is the usual recovery time for this?

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

The most common way to fix a bottoming out breast implant is to use internal sutures, a procedure called a capsulorrhaphy. Some surgeons have used external stitches placed on a temporary basis but this is uncommon. "Tacking" is not a medical term so I don't think any of the respondents here can tell you exactly what your surgeon has in mind.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Although difficult to know for sure, based on your description I think your surgeon is planning a procedure called capsulorrhaphy.  This involves the use of internal sutures ( usually permanent) to correct the implant malposition issue.  

	As a patient, you should not hesitate to ask questions about the procedure,  potential complications and success rates. Ask the surgeon to see previous patient examples as well. Doing so will give you peace of mind prior to your surgery.

	Best wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Tacking of the fold I think is what he was referring to. This will close down the pocket and reconstruct the fold.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

The problem we face is guess and assumption, as 'tacking' is not a medical term. You might guess that your surgeon will be adjusting the pocket and suturing the capsule and breast to correct the malpositioned implant, though we cannot really know. You had better ask.

	Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

What Exactly is "Tacking" of a Breast?

Answers (4)

Answer: What is tacking the breast

Answer: What is tacking the breast

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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What Exactly is "Tacking" of a Breast?

Answers (4)

Answer: What is tacking the breast

Answer: What is tacking the breast

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.