Breast Implants Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Breast Implants, including details on silicone implant, breast augmentation, surgery, risks.

The feasibility of sentinel lymph node detection in patients with previous transaxillary implant breast augmentation: preliminary results.

Munhoz AM, Aldrighi C, Buschpiegel C, Ono C, Montag E, Fells K, Arruda E, Sturtz G, Kovac P, Filassi JR, Gemperli R, Ferreira MC

Division of Plastic Surgery, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Rua Oscar Freire 1702 ap 78, Sao Paulo, SP, 05409-011, Brazil. alexandremuhoz@hotmail.com

BACKGROUND: Transaxillary breast augmentation has gained popularity because of the good aesthetic results and scar placement in a less visible position. As breast-augmented patients age, an increasing number of breast cancer cases can be expected. Sentinel lymph node detection (SLND) is a well-established technique in breast cancer. To date, no information is available regarding the feasibility of SLND for patients with previous transaxillary implants. METHODS: A 28-year-old women with bilateral breast hypoplasia underwent a bilateral breast augmentation by the transaxillary approach. One week earlier, SLND was accomplished through two periareolar injections of 0.1 mCi 99m-technetium-labeled fitate and lymphoscintigraphy. A 3.5-cm-long axillary incision was performed, and the dissection continued through the subfascial plane to create the implant's pocket. A silicone gel implant (215 g round, low-profile, textured Silimed) was inserted. RESULTS: A satisfactory aesthetic result was obtained. Two postoperative lymphoscintigraphies were performed (15 days and 7 months after surgery) with satisfactory SLND. No complication was noted. CONCLUSION: The initial data show that SLND in the setting of prior breast implant augmentation through the transaxillary approach is feasible. Additional prospective studies and larger clinical series are necessary to analyze the accuracy of SLND for patients with previous breast implants.

Published 12 July 2005 in Aesthetic Plast Surg, 29(3): 163-8.
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