Breast Augmentation for Ptosis: Effective Upward Rotation of the Nipple

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: For the correction of small ptotic breasts, augmentation mastopexy provides a better shape than other techniques, but its periareolar or vertical scar is a limiting factor. Subglandular augmentation tends to increase ptosis. Submuscular augmentation may result in a "Waterfall" deformity (double contour deformity). This report uses examples of two patients to illustrate concepts for improving breast augmentation of ptotic breasts. METHODS: Two patients initially underwent insertion of breast implants for ptotic breasts, using full height type of implants inserted by the type III dual plane technique. Both patients had wanted breasts that were not excessively large, but which had an improved shape and minimal scars. At nearly the same time after the initial surgery (postoperative day 3 and 7), each patient exhibited a unilateral double contour breast deformity. The initial implants were changed to shorter height implants to shift volume to the lower pole. RESULTS: Changing the implants resulted in improved breast shape by enhancing the leverage effect. The double contour deformities observed after using the taller implants were improved by changing to shorter implants. CONCLUSIONS: For rotating the nipple areolar complex upward during correction of small ptotic breasts with implants, the type III dual plane technique is an effective way to produce a larger volume pocket in the lower pole of the breast. More leverage effect can be obtained by using a shorter height and greater projection type of shaped implant instead of a full height implant.