Augmentation mastopexy using a double skin incision: the inframammary fold approach with periareolar de-epithelialization

• Main Authors: Seok Min Yoon, Tae Hyung Kim, Syeo Young Wee, Hyok Sue Oh, Hyun Gyo Jeong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2021-07-01
• Series: Archives of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
• Subjects: augmentation mastopexy; inframammary fold approach; periareolar approach
• Online Access: http://e-aaps.org/upload/pdf/aaps-2020-02411.pdf

Background For the correction of small breasts with grade I ptosis, it is very challenging for plastic surgeons to obtain excellent aesthetic results by performing simultaneous breast augmentation and nipple-areolar complex (NAC) lifting. Previous research has introduced one-stage augmentation mastopexy, but most studies described using the periareolar approach. The current study proposes a technique for augmentation mastopexy using the inframammary fold approach for augmentation and the periareolar approach for mastopexy. Methods Twenty patients were enrolled, and surgery was performed on 40 breasts. A pocket was made with the inframammary fold approach and the dual-plane method; subsequently, a tear-drop shape implant was inserted using a funnel. We performed NAC lifting using the de-epithelialization and interlocking purse-string suture method through the periareolar approach. Results The mean distance from the mid-clavicular line to the nipple was 23.4 cm preoperatively, 19.6 cm at 7 days of follow-up, and 20.3 cm at 12 months of follow-up. Complications such as hematoma, infection, NAC necrosis, capsular contracture, and wound dehiscence were not reported. Conclusions We performed successful breast augmentation and mild ptosis correction. No specific complications were observed during 1 year of postoperative follow-up. Our method is a simple and fast method that enables surgeons to perform augmentation and mastopexy in one stage for breasts with grade I ptosis.