Conservative Augmentation with Periareolar Mastopexy Reduces Complications and Treats a Variety of Breast Types

Augmentation with mastopexy remains a challenge because reported complication and revision rates remain high. Previous publications are difficult to interpret because of inclusion of a broad array of mastopexy techniques and different implant styles and placements. This is a review of 100 consecutive augmentation/mastopexy patients performed by a single surgeon using a single procedure, implant style, and placement. Between January 2003 and December 2008, 100 female patients underwent primary augmentation mammoplasty with periareolar mastopexy. All patients had either grade II or grade III ptosis, or tubular deformity. All implants were Allergan style 168 (270-390 mL saline prosthesis).All patients (N = 100) were available for follow-up, an average 8.3 months postoperatively (1.5-21 months). Overall complication rate was 11%. Nonimplant-related complication rate was 6%--2 widened scars, 3 hypertrophic scars, and 1 partial nipple necrosis. Implant-related complication rate was 5%--2 deflations, 1 capsular contracture, 1 implant shifting, and 1 infection. Augmentation mammoplasty with periareolar mastopexy treats a wide variety of breast types including tubular deformity and grade II and III ptosis. Planned nipple-areolar elevation should be 4 cm or less. Vertical and horizontal skin envelope redraping is tailored for each case.