The Pocket Protector: A New Breast Implant Device

Abstract

Introduction: Although strides have been made to improve breast augmentation surgery, they have focused on the use of single implant devices, necessitating adjustments to the type of operation performed and implants used. And although some breast types obtain excellent results, many others are less than optimal. By developing a thin synthetic expanded polytetrafluoroethylene device, the Pocket Protector, that lines the breast pocket by integrating with the body without a capsule formation, smooth-surfaced gel (or saline) implants can remain soft and provide improved augmentation mammoplasty results. Even patients with Baker class III and IV breasts refractory to all types of revisional surgery can achieve soft, natural breasts after revision with the Pocket Protector. Materials and Methods: Augmentation mammoplasty and revision mammoplasty, often with capsulectomy, with the Pocket Protector was performed on 38 patients with smooth gel or saline implants. Since the initial prototype in April 1995, data have been collected with each patient to evaluate the efficacy of this device. Results: Patients involved in the current study have yielded soft, natural-feeling breasts in the normal anatomic position. Two patients who experienced a flu syndrome in the immediate postoperative period developed refractory seromas necessitating removal of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Both cases have subsequently been successfully revised with Pocket Protectors and smooth-gel implants. Three patients with very thin tissues experienced rippling in spite of using smooth-gel implants. Discussion: The net result yields a soft, ripple-free (or near ripple-free) breast. Additionally, gel implants inside the Pocket Protector are potentially shielded from the body, should the implants rupture. Implants are easily exchangeable if necessary without need for capsulectomy or capsulotomy. The Pocket Protector may also represent an implant device appropriate to treat breasts refractory to traditionally attempted augmentations, such as subcutaneous mastectomy. Although the first case performed in April 1995 has remained successful, most of the experience has been gathered over the past year. This preliminary paper presents the experience with the past 38 cases.