Capsular contracture after breast reconstruction with the lateral thoracodorsal flap.

Early postoperative manipulation of breast implants in patients who underwent breast reconstruction utilizing a lateral thoracodorsal flap is described. This manipulation did not reduce the rate of firm capsular contracture after the reconstruction with the flap, but only postponed its development. Open capsulotomies, however, yielded stationary soft breasts to a statistically significant extent. The patient's acceptance of the reconstructed breast as a natural part of her own body was high. It was not influenced by the occurrence of firm capsular contracture.