Background and objective.

Complications related to implant-based breast surgery are a potential safety issue due to its high incidence. Implant displacement is one of these complications that has been associated to frequent revision surgery. However, there is a lack of information about the characteristics and epidemiology of this condition.

The aim of this study is to research in the scientific literature and propose a displacement classification.

Methods.

A literature review was done by using the keywords: Implant displacement, complications and breast implants, looking for publications about complications in breast surgery including implant displacement and the associated factors.

Results.

We found 186 publications of which 8 were included, with a total of 29.917 patients, age ranged from 14 to 77 and a follow up time from 0.1 to 34 years; 97.55% were silicone implants, 1% saline and 1% with no information. The smooth surface was used in 19.01% and textured in 79.63%. Subglandular approach was used from 5.7% to 73.3% of the cases, subpectoral from 5.4% to 80%, subfascial plane was used in 725 subjects in 1 study, and dual plane was used in 2 studies with 16.7% and 56.6%. Implant size was reported from 50 up to 800 cc. The reported displacement was between 0.3 up to 16.6% with a mean of 5.26%

Conclusions.

There is heterogeneity in the diagnosis and the reported outcomes, and a lack of a standard definition and diagnosis of the displacement. Implant displacement has been accused of being one of the first causes for revision in breast surgery, however, there is a lack of clinical studies that estimate the frequency of presentation and the related factors. A classification tool to assess the displacement is critical to standardize the outcomes and improve the quality of the studies.

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