Superior Pedicle Mammaplasty without Parenchymal Incisions after Massive Weight Loss

ABSTRACT

Background: After considerable weight loss, the breast suffers significant deformation. The ptotic breast is characterized by a lack of superior pole, tissue excess in the inferior pole, down-migration of nipple-areola complex (NAC) with redundancy of skin tissue. The authors describe a mastopexy technique based on a modulated and progressive reshaping, back rotation, and suspension of mammary gland parenchyma without parenchymal incisions. Methods: Forty-five patients with bilateral moderate or severe breast ptosis underwent mastopexy from January 2011 to January 2014 with complete detachment of breast from the pectoralis major muscle and the plication of parenchyma without any parenchymal incision. Patients were followed up for one year, reporting any complication, and measuring the jugulum–NAC distance. The outcomes were assessed by the patients as well as the surgical team. Results: The aesthetic outcomes were good or excellent in all patients. The new mammary contour and the distance between the jugular fossa and the nipple were stable during this time with a good filling of upper pole. No major complications were reported. Conclusions: This technique gave good breast shape, long-term projection, and upper pole fullness, without parenchymal incisions. It restores breast shape and projection, especially in post-bariatric patients. A similar technique has not been described yet.

Keywords::

• autologous tissue mastopexy
• breast ptosis
• breast lift
• mastopexy
• massive weight loss
• breast reshaping