Evidence-based medicine: augmentation mammaplasty.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Recognize the role of biofilm in breast implant surgery and possible ways to reduce the incidence of capsular contracture. 2. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of various surgical approaches including the incision placement and implant location. 3. List the advantages and disadvantages of implant characteristics including implant fill, shell surface characteristics, and implant shape. 4. Take steps to avoid the phenomena of double capsule and late seroma.

SUMMARY: This article was prepared to accompany practice-based assessment with ongoing surgical education for the Maintenance of Certification for the American Board of Plastic Surgery. It is structured to outline the care of the patient presenting for cosmetic breast augmentation.