Outcome analysis and assessment of the lower pole expansion following breast augmentation with ergonomic implants: Optimizing results with patient selection based on 5-year data.

BACKGROUND: Silicone implants have gone through adaptations to improve esthetic outcomes. With the progress of technology, including gel rheology, different properties have been introduced. Ergonomic style implants (ESI) feature enhanced rheological properties and provide a shaped contour with a round base. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated outcomes for ESI in breast augmentation concerning lower pole stretching (LPS) and implant stability and describes an algorithm to assist in decision-making. METHODS: A total of 148 patients (296 breasts) underwent breast augmentation with ESI; this procedure was indicated in patients with good skin quality and <6 cm between the nipple-areola complex and the inframammary fold. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 29.6 years (range: 19-39), and 93 patients (62.8%) underwent primary breast augmentation with demi/full projection (average volume of 245 cc [175-375 cc]). Axillary incision and subfascial pocket were indicated in 115 (77.7%) and 72 (48%) cases, respectively. Average LPS values were 32.2% (24.91 mm) and 10.86% (9.42 mm) at up to 10 days and 10 days to 12 months postprocedure, respectively. Patients were followed for a mean of 29.9 ± 26.4 months (range: 6-66). Complication rates per breast and per patient were 5% and 10%, respectively, and included subcutaneous banding in the axilla (1.6%), implant displacement (1.2%), and wound dehiscence (0.8%). No cases of infection, seroma, or rippling complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The present decision-making algorithm summarizes the process involved in breast augmentation using ESI and is intended to help standardize decisions. With correct planning, long-lasting outcomes can be achieved due to favorable interactions between ESI and the patient's tissues.

Determining Degree of Hypertrophy and Extent of Resection in Aesthetic Labia Minora Reduction: Technical Highlights and Step-by-Step Video Guide.

SUMMARY: Advances in aesthetic labia minora (LM) procedures have led to better results and fewer complications. Edge trim or wedge approaches are utilized, both of which use hidden incisions and preserve the edges of the LM. Since 1998 we have been performing a simple and reliable technique based on inferior wedge LM resection and superior pedicle flap reconstruction. While aesthetic LM reduction has been amply published, previous technical videos have not presented a detailed step-by-step description, and few studies specifically address how to estimate the amount of tissue to resect according to the degree of hypertrophy. This article and the accompanying videos provide a detailed guide that clearly outlines the senior author's technique for aesthetic LM reduction. Our experience demonstrates that superior pedicle flap reconstruction is a reliable and reproducible technique. The success of the procedure depends on patient selection, careful preoperative planning, and adequate intraoperative management.

Reoperative Transaxillary Subfascial Breast Augmentation and Fat Grafting: Technical Highlights and a Step-by-Step Video Guide.

SUMMARY: Reoperative procedures after breast augmentation are frequently more complex than primary cases because of local complications and insufficient soft-tissue coverage. Although the transaxillary incision is often indicated in primary breast augmentation, limitations of this approach include secondary surgery and correcting complications after using this approach via the same incision. Combining the transaxillary technique with a subfascial pocket has been suggested to avoid breast scarring and the limitations of submuscular pockets represented by breast animation. With advances in autogenous fat grafting (AFG) techniques, implant coverage alternatives and more natural outcomes have been reported from more superficial implant pockets. Simultaneous AFG with silicone implants (defined as hybrid breast augmentation) has been evaluated recently as an attractive procedure. These two techniques combine to provide breast projection and natural cleavage while camouflaging implant edges. AFG is also important to reduce the intermammary distance and achieve a smoother transition between the breasts. The transaxillary approach can be useful in reoperative breast augmentation and avoids additional scarring on the breast. This article and the accompanying videos provide a detailed, step-by-step guide to reoperative hybrid breast augmentation using a subfascial transaxillary approach, with a predictable and optimized surgical outcome.

Hybrid Augmentation Mastopexy with New Generation of Smooth Surface Implants: Combining the Benefits of Fat Grafting, Inferior Muscle Support, and an L-Shaped Scar.

BACKGROUND: Augmentation mastopexy (AM) is a challenging procedure. Complications include implant displacement and visibility, which can be addressed, but the stability of the smooth implant surface and poor soft-tissue coverage may present limitations. This article describes a surgical technique for AM using a composite reverse inferior muscle sling associated with autogenous fat grafting. METHODS: Forty-five patients (90 breasts; mean age, 37.7 ± 7.2 years) underwent hybrid composite reverse inferior muscular sling AM. An upper/medial pole area between the implant and the clavicle region and parasternal area was marked to receive fat grafting and divided into three zones. Three-dimensional imaging was used to evaluate lower pole stretch and intermammary distance. RESULTS: The average implant volume was 265 cc (range, 175 to 335 cc). The average fat volumes in zones I/II and III were 80.1 (range, 61.6 to 95.2 cc) and 39.3 (range, 25.2 to 47.3 cc), respectively. Five complications were observed in three patients (6.6%)-minor dehiscence in two (4.4%) and nipple-areola asymmetry in one (2.2%). The lower pole stretched 11.51% (9.9 mm) and 9.8% (8.5 mm) on the right and left sides, respectively ( P < 0.0001), between 10 days and 1 year postoperatively. The intermammary distance was reduced, on average, 49.9% (25.1 mm) ( P < 0.001) between the preoperative value and 1 year postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid composite reverse inferior muscular sling has led to improved aesthetic results for patients with breast ptosis and poor tissue coverage. Fat grafting and recognizing cleavage zones are still important to obtain satisfactory results. This procedure offers a good alternative for AM candidates, providing an adequate smooth surface for implant stabilization.