On Equal Footing: Navigating the Breast Implant Learning Curve Sunday, October 12 Sun, Oct 12 8:00-9:30 a.m. CDT

Advances in breast implant technology continue to expand surgical options while introducing distinct risk–benefit profiles. This session provides a balanced, evidence-based review of FDA-approved devices—including saline and silicone gel implants, round and form-stable designs, and currently available surface textures—with comparison to adjuncts (e.g., ADM/mesh) and non-implant alternatives where relevant. Faculty will critically appraise clinical data (registries, trials, post-market surveillance) on outcomes and complications such as capsular contracture, rupture/gel bleed, malposition, infection, seroma, late adverse events (e.g., BIA-ALCL), and patient-reported systemic symptoms, noting quality and limitations of the evidence. Emphasis will be placed on patient-specific selection, informed consent (including FDA labeling and surveillance recommendations), and shared decision-making. Attendees will leave with practical algorithms for planning and revision, techniques to optimize aesthetics and safety, and strategies to reduce complications and reoperations across devices—not just newly introduced lines.

By the end of this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Compare FDA-approved implant categories (saline vs silicone gel; round vs form-stable; surface options) and differentiate indications, advantages, trade-offs, and contraindications for augmentation and reconstruction.
2. Critically appraise clinical evidence to interpret rates and modifiers of complications—capsular contracture, rupture, malposition, infection, hematoma/seroma, late adverse events (including BIA-ALCL), and patient-reported systemic symptoms—while recognizing study biases and limitations.
3. Apply patient-specific selection strategies that integrate anatomy, tissue quality, prior radiation, aesthetic goals, and device features; formulate alternatives (e.g., autologous or hybrid approaches) when risk–benefit analysis favors them.
4. Implement best-practice perioperative and intraoperative techniques (pocket selection, plane management, sizing, ADM/mesh use, sterility protocols) to reduce complications and improve aesthetic consistency across device types.
5. Counsel patients using FDA-aligned informed-consent elements (risks, benefits, expected longevity, rupture surveillance for silicone devices, signs warranting evaluation) and co-create a monitoring plan.
6. Diagnose and manage common early and late complications, and execute evidence-based revision algorithms, including when to exchange, remove, or transition to non-implant options.