Versatility of Capsular Flaps in the Salvage of Exposed Breast Implants

Capsule formation represents the response of the immune system to foreign materials and is usually influenced by both implant and host factors, such as hormonal profile, patient age, history of irradiation or tabagism, clinical or subclinical infection, hematoma or seroma development, and implant structural features.1 In case of breast reconstruction or breast augmentation for aesthetic purposes, this fibrotic process can become clinically relevant, leading to capsular contracture development.2 Nevertheless, over the past decades, plastic surgeons started to consider the breast implant capsule not only as an enemy but also as a potential source of tissue, thus describing its use both as a flap and a graft for different clinical indications.3 Taking inspiration from their expertise in this field,3 the authors reviewed their experience, presenting in this study the possible clinical applications of capsular flaps in the coverage of exposed breast implants.