ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the design formulas of the optimal location for splitting pectoralis major in terms of making type Ⅰ or Ⅱ dual-plane implant pocket.Methods Sixty-five patients with micromastia were collected.Breasts were divided into two types according to the soft-tissue pinch thickness of the lower pole:type Ⅰ (thickness＞2 cm;34 cases) and type Ⅱ (thickness ≤2 cm;31 cases).The optimal levels at which the pectoralis major (PM) was severed were 3/4 or 2/4 of the distance of new inframammary fold for type Ⅰ or Ⅱ dual-plane pockets,respectively.All patients completed the pre-and post-operative BREAST-Q augmentation modules before and 6 months after surgery.The scores were changed into hundred-mark system by QScore software.Results The recovery processes were well-off.The breasts contour was good.Patients reported higher scores of satisfaction with breasts,psychosocial well-being and sexual well-being after surgery than before surgery (62.0±8.9 vs 27.9± 4.3,65.0± 17.2 vs 17.4±8.3,60.5± 14.2 vs 30.3±5.5,P＜0.05).The mean satisfaction score for the overall outcome was 90.6±5.4.However,there was no significant difference in physical well-being between before operation and aftre operation (85.3±9.5 vs 84.7± 10.6).No complications such as severe capsular contracture,or displacement occurred.Conclusions The design formulas make the determining procedure of the optimal location for pectoralis major splitting for two types dual-plane implant pockets easier and more exactly.Our modified design method can provide the implant with the optimal soft tissue coverage,and bring desired and stable breast aesthetic outcomes.The higher satisfaction and quality of life reported by patients indicate that the formulas are feasible and worth to recommend.