Safe Autologous Rib Harvest in Patients with Breast Implants; technique and review.

Abstract Introduction Autologous rib harvest is a useful technique for rhinoplasty when septal cartilage is inadequate. For patients who have previously undergone augmentation mammoplasty, however, there is theoretical concern of risk to breast implant integrity during costal cartilage harvest. The true risk to patients and their implants from autologous rib harvest, however, is poorly studied. Herein, we review our technique and experience with autologous rib harvest after augmentation mammoplasty. Method We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent autologous rib harvest after augmentation mammoplasty between February 1998 and February 2017 at a tertiary care hospital and private practice. We identified basic demographics, implant type, approach to implantation, and any post-operative complications following rib harvest. Surgery was performed using an inframammary approach with a boat-technique for cartilage harvest. Results 109 individuals were included in our study, aged 19-64. There was a 2% rate of post-operative seroma development; no patients developed long-term complications. There was a 5% rate of incidental intra-operative discovery of implant dehiscence or implant entry, all of which were repaired primarily at the time of surgery, and none of which developed post-operative sequelae. There were no cases of pneumothorax, post-operative breast malposition, or other major complications. Conclusion Herein, we present the largest cohort of patients to undergo autologous rib harvest after augmentation mammoplasty. Routine intra-operative drain placement and perioperative imaging is unnecessary. Our technique allows harvest of a suitable amount of cartilage, is very cosmetically acceptable to this cosmetically-conscious population, and is safe for patients and their implants.