title: Thermal capsulorrhaphy: a modified technique for breast pocket revision.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Scant attention has been paid to breast capsule revision after augmentation mammaplasty. Dissatisfaction with traditional techniques prompted the senior authors to develop a thermal capsulorrhaphy (TC) technique to obliterate excess breast pocket space using ball cautery followed by barbed suture closure.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The authors propose a new periprosthetic technique for pocket closure, present a corresponding guide for surgical and postoperative management, and provide results of their retrospective review.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical records were reviewed for all patients who underwent TC after cosmetic augmentation mammaplasty during a 5-year period, for whom clinical photographs were available from at least 1 year postoperatively. Operating details and complications were documented. Outcomes were rated a success, partial success, or failure, based on analysis of the photographs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 157 TC cases (41 unilateral, 58 bilateral) with a mean follow-up of 2 years, 141 (90%) outcomes were successful, 4 (2%) were partially successful, and 12 (8%) had failed. There were 16 complications: 10 over- or undercorrections and 1 episode each of hematoma, capsular contracture, slight deformity, nipple sensitivity, exposed suture knot, and suture abscess.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The efficacy of TC derives from the symbiosis of stitches and heat: capsulorrhaphy reinforces apposition of the damaged walls, and cautery contracts and thickens the capsule, thus reducing dead space and improving suture purchase. Initially popularized in shoulder surgery, TC is even better suited for breast pocket closure due to superior visibility and maneuverability, more aggressive practices, and the lack of similar complications. Postoperative stabilization and guideline compliance are essential to successful revision.
  
  
  METHODS
  4.
authors.affiliation: Drs S. W. Harris and Raphael are plastic surgeons in private practice in Plano, TexasMr R. Harris is a medical student at University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas.
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.affiliation: Drs S. W. Harris and Raphael are plastic surgeons in private practice in Plano, TexasMr R. Harris is a medical student at University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Raphael
authors.affiliation: Drs S. W. Harris and Raphael are plastic surgeons in private practice in Plano, TexasMr R. Harris is a medical student at University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas drharris@ai4ps.com.
authors.forename: Scott W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Harris
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019928:Breast Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D018427:Breast Implants; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057910:Implant Capsular Contracture / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: ball cautery; breast implant; capsule; displacement; malposition; pocket; quill; revision; symmastia; thermal capsulorrhaphy