Breast Augmentation Patient Satisfaction in an Appalachian Region.

The prevalence of cosmetic plastic surgeries, including breast augmentation, has risen significantly, with breast augmentation being among the most sought-after procedures. However, there's a dearth of research on patient outcomes and satisfaction, particularly in rural areas like the Appalachian region. This retrospective study aimed to fill this gap by examining patient satisfaction and complications following breast augmentation surgery among rural Appalachian patients in the tri-state (West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio) area. A total of 63 patients who underwent primary breast augmentation at a regional referral center from June 2014 to December 2022 were included in the study. Patient records were reviewed and data on demographics, complications, re-operations, and satisfaction scores were analyzed. Results revealed no significant differences between rural and urban populations in terms of demographic characteristics, complication rates, re-operation rates, or satisfaction scores. Logistic regression models confirmed that rural/urban status did not significantly influence the likelihood of complications, re-operations, or satisfaction. Despite the study's limitations, including a small sample size and single-center design, the results indicate that rural Appalachian patients receive surgical care comparable to their urban counterparts and experience similar benefits from breast augmentation surgery. Recognizing the distinctive healthcare needs and obstacles faced by rural communities is essential for mitigating healthcare disparities and enhancing overall health outcomes. Future research and healthcare initiatives should prioritize improving access to care, fostering patient-centered approaches, and addressing systemic challenges in healthcare delivery across rural Appalachia.

[Effectiveness comparison of endoscopic removal of injectable Amazingel with/without immediate prepectoral implant-based breast augmentation].

Objective: To explore the surgical technique and preliminary safety and aesthetic results of endoscopic removal of injectable Amazingel with/without immediate prepectoral implant-based breast augmentation for patients. Methods: The clinical data of 25 patients who underwent endoscopic removal of injectable Amazingel with/without immediate prepectoral implant-based breast augmentation between April 2020 and January 2024 and met the selection criteria was retrospective analysed. The patients' age ranged from 33 to 73 years, with a mean of 50.4 years, and the body mass index ranged from 16.8 to 26.6 kg/m 2, with a mean of 21.5 kg/m 2. They were all bilaterally injected with Amazingel, and the time between initial injections and surgery ranged from 17 to 26 years, with a mean of 21.4 years. Early safety was evaluated by the incidence of early postoperative complications, and early aesthetic results were evaluated using Harris scores (including breast shape satisfaction, sensation satisfaction, and elasticity satisfaction) at 3 months after operation. Results: There were 9 cases underwent Amazingel removal (group A) and 16 cases underwent Amazingel removal with immediate prepectoral implant-based breast augmentation (group B). Intraoperative removal of Amazingel ranged from 808 to 1 285 mL, with a mean of 1 050.7 mL; the mass of the capsule removed ranged from 36 to 169 g, with a mean of 103.6 g; and a gross anatomical prosthesis was used with a median size of 345 mL (range, 315-355 mL). The operation time ranged from 95 to 395 minutes, with a mean of 194.2 minutes; and the cost of the procedure ranged from 8000to 91 000 yuan, with a mean of 33 000 yuan. Patients had a median follow-up time of 22.7 months (range, 3.0-48.1 months). There was 1 case of intraoperative skin burn due to the operation of the electric scalpel, which healed naturally after operation without flap necrosis. There was no adverse conditions such as prosthesis outline showing, ripple sign, and capsular contracture during follow-up; a small amount of Amazingel residue was found in 2 patients at 1 year after operation. The Harris score at 3 months after operation was used to evaluate the early aesthetic results, and the breast shape, elasticity, and sensation satisfaction of group A were lower than group B, but the differences between the two groups were not significant ( P>0.05). Conclusion: Endoscopic removal of injectable Amazingel with/without immediate prepectoral implant-based breast augmentation is safe in the early stage with good aesthetic results, and it is also recommended that patients who had the indications for combined immediate breast augmentation after removal to rebuild the breast appearance.

Change in self-image pressure level before and after autologous fat breast augmentation and its effect on social adaptability.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasingly strong demand for appearance and physical beauty in social life, marriage, and other aspects with the development of society and the improvement of material living standards. An increasing number of people have improved their appearance and physical shape through aesthetic plastic surgery. The female breast plays a significant role in physical beauty, and droopy or atrophied breasts can frequently lead to psychological inferiority and lack of confidence in women. This, in turn, can affect their mental health and quality of life. AIM: To analyze preoperative and postoperative self-image pressure-level changes of autologous fat breast augmentation patients and their impact on social adaptability. METHODS: We selected 160 patients who underwent autologous fat breast augmentation at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University from January 2020 to December 2022 using random sampling method. The general information, self-image pressure level, and social adaptability of the patients were investigated using a basic information survey, body image self-assessment scale, and social adaptability scale. The self-image pressure-level changes and their effects on the social adaptability of patients before and after autologous fat breast augmentation were analyzed. RESULTS: We collected 142 valid questionnaires. The single-factor analysis results showed no statistically significant difference in the self-image pressure level and social adaptability score of patients with different ages, marital status, and monthly income. However, there were significant differences in social adaptability among patients with different education levels and employment statuses. The correlation analysis results revealed a significant correlation between the self-image pressure level and social adaptability score before and after surgery. Multiple factors analysis results showed that the degree of concern caused by appearance in self-image pressure, the degree of possible behavioral intervention, the related distress caused by body image, and the influence of body image on social life influenced the social adaptability of autologous fat breast augmentation patients. CONCLUSION: The self-image pressure on autologous fat breast augmentation patients is inversely proportional to their social adaptability.

A Decalogue on Enhanced Recovery After Breast Augmentation Surgery (ERABAS).

BACKGROUND: Medical and technical advances have changed the state of postoperative surgical patient care, allowing for better and faster recovery. Since its publication, predictable 24-hour recovery in breast augmentation surgery has been controversial and has generated discussion. In this study, we present a novel, easy, and reproducible protocol for Enhanced Recovery After Breast Augmentation Surgery (ERABAS), along with a summary of the ten points to follow. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of all primary breast augmentation surgeries performed between 2010 and 2020 by a private activity. All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon according to the same protocol, and all implants were obtained from the same company. Data were evaluated using two binary logistic regression models, taking as variables responses to recovery time and postoperative pain and as predictor or explanatory variables to the factors age, smoking, size, and location of the implant. RESULTS: In total, 2906 patients were included in this study. Of these, 2770 patients (95%) immediately returned to normal life within the first 24 h, 129 achieved normal life in four days, and only seven needed a week to recover. In these seven patients, the main acute complications were hemorrhage and acute hematoma. The implants were always round; textured implants were used in 88.8% of patients, while smooth implants were used in 11.2%. A subfascial pocket was used in 934 patients, and a dual-plane pocket was performed for 1972 patients. The only factor that showed a significant effect on recovery time was the location of the implant (p < 0.05), with the dual-plane pocket being the intervention associated with a later recovery, specifically a probability of recovery after 24 hour, 2.86 times greater than subfascial. CONCLUSIONS: The ERABAS protocol allowed rapid return to daily activities with low complication rates. Further prospective comparative multicenter studies are required to confirm these results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Antioxidant Status in Patients after Breast Mastopexy and Augmentation.

Background and Objectives: Mammary gland surgery has become very common, but there are complications of these operations, including the concept of breast implant illness (BII) in women with silicone gel breast implants (SBI), who suffer from various symptoms such as myalgia, arthralgia, fatigue, fever, dry eyes, or dry mouth. Silicone biomaterials are synthetic polymers that have their own physical and chemical properties and can exert their effect at the site of use and possibly on the general status of the body, causing inflammation and oxidative stress signs. The aim of the study was to examine components of the blood antioxidant system (AOS) of the mastopexy and breast augmentation patients before the operation, on the first post-op day, and 6 months after surgery. Materials and Methods: Healthy breast surgery patients (women aged 31 to 60 years without visible pathologies) were selected for the study and formed 2 groups: breast lift-mastopexy without silicone biomaterials (I group, 30 patients) and breast augmentation using silicone biomaterials (II group, 28 patients). All patients underwent standard preoperative tests. Glutathione peroxidase (GPxSe) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in blood, selenium (Se), selenium protein P (SelPP), and total antioxidant status (TAS) in plasma were measured as AOS parameters. The concentration of vitamin D was also determined. A total of 174 blood tests were performed. Results: Overall, there were no differences in both groups in measured antioxidant system indicators over time; neither changes in objective nor subjective status were observed. However, baseline activity of GPxSe was relatively high but restored to normal values 6 months after surgery. In the mastopexy group, GPxSe decreased from 12,961.7 U/L by 18.9% to 10,513.4 U/L, and in the breast augmentation group, from 15,505.0 U/L by 25.1% to 11,265.5 U/L, which is a decrease of 18.9% and 25.1%, respectively. The patients did not note any complaints; other indicators of standard biochemical tests were within normal limits. Conclusions: The two types of surgical interventions, breast mastopexy and augmentation of the mammary glands, do not significantly impact blood AOS and are physiological in nature.

Breast Implant Removal-Only: The Role of Targeted Compression.

BACKGROUND: The number of women seeking explantation of their breast implants has increased in recent years. Anxiety due to potential health problems has been one of the major catalysts. Mastopexy with or without autoaugmentation and fat grafting are the main techniques used in breast implant removal surgery. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the aesthetic and satisfactory outcomes after simple breast implant removal assisted by targeted compression. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients were included in the series. Targeted compression of the breast after implant removal was performed during the 1st month. A satisfaction survey using a Likert scale was used before and after the final visit. The patients were followed up for 1 year. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 41 years old, and the mean time between implantation and removal was 10 years. Subjective reasons for removal (46.4% of the patients) were more frequent in women with less time since implantation (5 years) versus 15 years for implant-related problems. A total of 57.14% of the women were satisfied with the aesthetic result, and 42.86% were very satisfied. Only 17.8% of the total would consider an aesthetic refinement. CONCLUSIONS: Simple breast implant removal yields good aesthetic outcomes, and patients are satisfied with the results. Good management of compression of the breast and close follow-up to treat any collection in the pocket provides good adhesion and allows for effective management of the process of deflation and setting of the breast mound. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Navigating Aesthetic Pursuits: A Google Trends Insight into Cosmetic Tourism.

BACKGROUND: The popularity of cosmetic tourism may increase unnecessary risks for patients as postoperative care is variable. However, little is known about the current trends and public perception of this growing phenomenon. This study compares interest in cosmetic tourism in popular medical tourism destinations relative to the US. METHODS: Google Trends was queried from October 2017 to September 2023, examining trends over the full period and dissecting changes between 2017-2020 and 2020-2023. Search volume data were retrieved for the top international countries and the US for each of the top five cosmetic procedures, according to the ISAPS 2022 Global Survey. A p value < 0.05 was used for statistical significance. RESULTS: Searches for liposuction, blepharoplasty, breast augmentation, mastopexy, and abdominoplasty were compared between the US, Mexico, Turkey, Thailand, and Colombia. Google Trends data mirrored the prevalence of the two most common procedures, liposuction, and breast augmentation. Differences in interest regarding liposuction were greatest in Mexico, Thailand, and Turkey compared to the US (p < 0.05). Medical tourism for blepharoplasty had the highest search interest scores for Turkey and Thailand from 2017 to 2023 (p < 0.05). Significant differences were also consistent across all time intervals for breast augmentation, mastopexy, and abdominoplasty, with higher interest in Mexico and Turkey (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Google Trends analysis serves as an insightful tool for understanding cosmetic tourism. Changing trends bring the potential to assess worldwide versus country-specific procedure interest. These observed trends may foreshadow future international aesthetic procedure trends. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Persistent lactation in bilateral breast implant augmentation: A case report and review of the literature.

Background: Persistent lactation, or galactorrhoea, is a common problem which is infrequently seen in the setting of aesthetic surgery. Increasing frequency of aesthetic breast surgery such as breast augmentation suggests a need for improved understanding of the effect of galactorrhoea on surgical outcomes. Case Report: A 34-year-old patient underwent day-case bilateral breast reduction/mastopexy combined with sub-muscular implant augmentation, abdominoplasty and bilateral liposuction to the flanks. She reported to have stopped breastfeeding more than 6 months prior. Intraoperatively, the breast tissue was noted to be lactating. The procedure was completed as planned and a routine postoperative plan was followed including oral antibiotics, analgesia and compression garments. The patient was discharged, however reattended on postoperative day 10 with breast pain and fevers. She was treated for right breast surgical site infection and required washout and implant removal. She was referred to Endocrinology for treatment of galactorrhoea with Bromocriptine and Cabergoline. She subsequently underwent revision implant augmentation with good outcomes. Discussion: This case highlights the increased likelihood of post-operative infection in galactorrhoea associated with breast implant augmentation. It is important to exclude lactation preoperatively and avoid a prosthesis in this situation, to minimise this risk and optimise surgical outcomes. Conclusion: Aesthetic breast surgeons must be aware of the incidence of galactorrhoea, and its possible effects on risks of postoperative complications and poor aesthetic outcomes. The authors suggest deferring implant augmentation until complete resolution of lactation where possible.

Acellular dermal matrix in breast augmentation surgery: A systematic review.

Background: The use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in breast reconstruction was described for the first time in 2000s. Recently, ADMs have been used not only in reconstructive surgery but also in cosmetic breast surgery for both primary and revision indications. Therefore, the matrices represent an important support to recent surgical techniques for breast augmentation in treatment or prevention of complications. Conversely, ADMs can affect operative times, costs, and additional complications related to their placement. A review of the literature was carried out to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and indication for the use of these matrices in cosmetic breast surgery. Methods: A literature review was conducted including manuscripts published up to April 2023 on breast augmentation using ADM. PubMed and MEDLINE were the databases used for research. The keywords used were "Breast augmentation" and "Acellular Dermal Matrix." Non-English language articles have been excluded. Results: The initial search for "breast augmentation" yielded 7900 results, which were further reviewed for "Acellular Dermal Matrices" in breast augmentation, selecting 74 articles. Following further screening, 12 articles were included in the review. A total of 787 patients were treated with breast augmentation and ADM placement. The main indication was capsular contracture (60%). Conclusions: The current evidence from the published scientific literature, albeit limited, suggests the indication for the use of ADM in revision surgery, to support the prosthetic pocket, to minimize the risk of capsular contracture and its recurrence.

Quality of life and satisfaction after breast augmentation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of Breast-Q patient-reported outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Breast augmentation ranks among the most popular plastic surgery procedures. Yet, reports on post-operative patient-reported quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction remain conflicting. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Three databases were searched for eligible studies that reported pre-and/or post-operative Breast-Q™ augmentation scores for patient QoL (psychosocial, sexual, and physical well-being) and/or satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 39 studies (53 patient cohorts and 18,322 patients) were included in the quantitative synthesis. The pairwise meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in patient-reported psychosocial (MD: +38.10) and sexual well-being (MD: +40.20) as well as satisfaction with breast (MD: +47.88) (all p < 0.00001). Physical well-being improved slightly after breast augmentation (MD: +6.97; p = 0.42). The single-arm meta-analysis yielded comparable results, with Breast-Q™ scores in psychosocial and sexual well-being as well as satisfaction with breast increasing from 37.2, 31.1, and 26.3 to 75.0, 70.6, and 72.7, respectively (all p < 0.00001). Physical well-being improved by 8.1 (75.8 pre-operatively to 83.9 post-operatively; p = 0.17). Subgroup analyses highlighted higher QoL and satisfaction following breast augmentation for purely esthetic purposes and alloplastic mammaplasty. Although patient-reported physical and sexual well-being increased in the long term, psychosocial well-being was the highest in the short term. CONCLUSION: Patient satisfaction with breast, psychosocial, and sexual well-being increased significantly after breast augmentation. In contrast, patient-reported physical well-being yielded ambivalent results, varying by mammaplasty technique and post-operative follow-up time. Plastic surgeons should be sensitized about our findings to refine eligibility criteria and gain a deeper understanding of the patients' perceived surgical experience. PROSPERO TRIAL REGISTRATION NO: CRD42023409605.

MAMAS (mastopexy-augmentation made applicable and safer): A standardized template of pre-operative marking and step-by-step surgical procedure.

Simultaneous breast augmentation with mastopexy is growing in popularity. It is a complex procedure that can lead to post-operative complications, patient dissatisfaction, and increased risk of litigation. The aim of this study is to describe an approach for the inverted-T augmentation-mastopexy technique, which limits intraoperative modifications, minimizes errors, and decreases post-operative complications and patient dissatisfaction. The study included 107 patients with Regnault's grade I and II ptosis and severe pseudoptosis. All patients were marked according to our novel technique, Mastopexy Augmentation Made Applicable and Safer (MAMAS), and operated by a single surgeon. All patients underwent simultaneous breast augmentation with Siltex Mentor Round Silicone Gel breast implants and mastopexy. Pre-operatively and post-operatively, patients filled the BREAST-Q. The mean follow-up was 24 months. Hundred and seven women received treatment in this study. Sixteen presented with post-operative complications, eleven in the early stage of recovery, and five in the late stage. There were eight cases of minor wound healing complications, all treated conservatively. Two cases of infection were noted, both were treated with oral antibiotics. One patient experienced post-operative bleeding after 13 days, which required surgical revision. In the late stage of recovery, five cases of implant displacement occurred and required revision surgery. No cases of capsular contracture and seromas were reported. According to Breast-Q, all patients were satisfied. MAMAS surgical technique, focusing on precise pre-operative marking for augmentation-mastopexy, is simple and easily reproducible. The procedure has a low complication rate and high patient satisfaction. It provides predictable and stable results over time.

A new type of dual-plane breast augmentation: Redefining parenchyma-muscle interface in high mobile glandular ptotic breast.

BACKGROUND: High mobile glandular ptotic breasts present the greatest challenge for implant breast augmentation with suboptimal outcomes occurring frequently. Here, we describe and evaluate an innovative approach for breast augmentation in this breast type. By widely disrupting and redefining the parenchyma-muscle interface, this technique offers opportunities to restore the takeoff point of the breast and improve the fullness of the upper pole, thus producing a "perkier" breast appearance. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed, and 68 patients who underwent breast augmentation with either type III dual-plane or the new approach between January 2015 and January 2021 were included. The patients were divided into two groups. The aesthetic outcome and patient satisfaction were evaluated using different 10-point rating forms. Data on demographic information, surgical details, and relative complication rates were recorded and compared. RESULTS: Upon comparing the aesthetic outcomes and satisfaction, the test group demonstrated better breast shape, nipple-areola position, upper pole contour outcome, and upper pole satisfaction. No post-operative hematoma, seroma, or infection occurred in either groups. No double-bubble deformity occurred in the test group, whereas it occurred in two patients in the control group. The rates of capsular contracture were 1.4% and 1.6%, in the test and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The new approach is a safe surgical method with good aesthetic outcome, high patient satisfaction, and long-lasting result. This approach is a supplement to the dual-plane techniques, to realize the benefits of mastopexy and type III dual-plane breast augmentation.

Letter to the Editor Regarding "Effect of Ropivacaine Intercostal Nerve Block Combined with Patient Controlled Intravenous Analgesia on Postoperative Analgesia After Breast Augmentation".

We read the recently published article "Effect of Ropivacaine Intercostal Nerve Block Combined with Patient Controlled Intravenous Analgesia on Postoperative Analgesia after Breast Augmentation" by You et al. We have noticed several issues in the methods and results of this study and would appreciate the responses from the authors. We question several aspects, opioid-sparing effect, sufentanil consumption, sample size evaluation, exclusion reasons, and side effects.

Tailor-Made Mastopexy Plus Implant, A Safe Journey Toward Breast Reshaping and Augmentation.

BACKGROUND: Augmentation/mastopexy represents one of the most complex procedures in the setting of cosmetic surgery, and there is still an ongoing debate about the most suitable approach to undertake to avoid major complications and deliver the desired result. The present study aims to offer a further contribute to the topic by presenting our personal experience with an implant-guided tailor-made mastopexy technique to manage moderate breast ptosis and hypotrophy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of our database was carried out, and a total of 194 women who underwent a tailor-made resection pattern mastopexy plus implant from November 2016 to December 2021 were enrolled. All patients included in the study presented breast hypoplasia and ptosis classified as Regnault grade II. At the first-year follow-up visit, patients received an anonymous written questionnaire that addressed their self-perception of cosmetic results and overall satisfaction. RESULTS: The technique presented in the study showed a favorable safety profile with a total complication rate accounting for an 8.2% and an overall reoperation rate as low as 4.6%. Major concerns including wound dehiscence, implant exposure, and nipple necrosis are not reported. Patients' self-reported outcomes revealed high satisfaction rates and stable results in the long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The described approach ensures proper reshaping together with the desired increased breast volume minimizing the chance of implant exposure due to wound dehiscence or any sort of tissue necrosis from devascularized skin edges. The surgical procedure described herein is safe and reliable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Medical Specialist Care Utilization Prior to the Explantation of Cosmetic Silicone Breast Implants: A Nationwide Retrospective Data Linkage Study.

BACKGROUND: Explantation is the proposed treatment for breast implant illness (BII). Little is known about which medical specialists are visited and what diagnoses are made before explantation is provided as the treatment. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated medical specialist care utilization in women with cosmetic breast implants who underwent explantation compared to women who chose breast implant replacement surgery and to women without breast implants. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study using data linkage with the Dutch Breast Implant Registry and the Dutch health insurance claims database. Visits to medical specialists were examined over the 3 years before explantation. A total of 832 explantation patients were matched and compared to 1463 breast implant replacement patients and 1664 women without breast implants. RESULTS: Explantation patients were more likely to have visited > 5 different medical specialties compared to both replacement patients (12.3% vs. 5.7%; p < 0.001) and women without breast implants (12.3% vs. 3.7%; p < 0.001). Among explantation patients, women who underwent explantation because of BII were more likely to have visited > 5 different medical specialties compared to women who underwent explantation because of other reasons (25.0% vs. 11.0%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Women who underwent explantation of breast implants had higher utilization of medical specialist care in the years before explantation compared to women who underwent breast implant replacement surgery and women without breast implants. Medical specialist care use was especially high among women for whom BII was the registered reason for explantation. These findings suggest further research is needed into the link between BII and the use of medical specialist care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Elderly Women Have a Higher Survival Rate of Grafted Donor Fat than Do Young Women Under the Influence of Low Estrogen Conditions.

BACKGROUND: Fat grafting is widely used in breast reconstruction and aesthetic plastic surgery. However, the success rate and effects of fat grafting, especially in elderly female donors, are observed. This study aimed to explore the difference in the survival rate of donor fat from elderly women and young women in fat grafting. METHODS: We collected adipose tissue samples from two healthy Chinese women: a young woman and an elderly woman. In addition, adipose tissue samples were collected from female nude mice in four experimental groups-CON-Y, CON-O, OVX-Y, and OVX-O-after fat transplantation. Grafts were harvested, weighed, and subjected to assessment of histology and angiogenesis. RESULTS: An ovariectomy model was successfully established to validate the effect of low estrogen levels on fat grafting results. Due to the influence of low estrogen levels, the graft survival rate of donor site fat was significantly higher in elderly women than in young women, accompanied by a lesser degree of angiogenesis. Low estrogen levels led to adipocyte hypertrophy, which may be related to decreased AQP-7 expression. CONCLUSIONS: AQP-7 downregulation due to low estrogen levels induces adipocyte hypertrophy, and donor fat from elderly women exhibits a higher survival rate after fat transplantation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Breast Reduction with Implants or Augmentation Reduction: Patient-Reported Outcomes from a Single-Centre Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

Background and Objectives: The correction of breast hypertrophy and ptosis with implant placement has always posed a challenge for plastic surgeons. Various methods have been devised, yielding conflicting results. The purpose of this study is to describe our surgical technique of breast reduction with silicone implants, present the safety profile of the procedure, and report patient-reported outcomes. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was performed on our case series of cosmetic breast surgery performed by the senior author between October 2020 and November 2023. Only patients who had over 300 g of breast tissue removed were included. The surgery and demographic characteristics were recorded. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire about satisfaction with their breasts pre-operatively and after the surgery. Results: Over 745 cases were performed, and 25 were included in the analysis. In total, 78.3% of the patients presented with a Grade 3 ptosis. The mean implant size was 352.39 cc (range 300-455 cc). The breast tissue removed ranged from 312 to 657 g. The mean follow-up was 14.17 months. Only one case required revision surgery after developing capsular contracture and a waterfall deformity. Patients reported a statistically significant improvement across all domains of the questionnaire (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Breast reduction plus implants is a safe and effective alternative for patients with large ptotic breasts who wish to attain a full upper pole. It carries a similar risk profile to augmentation mastopexy and maintains its functional benefits in alleviating back, neck, and shoulder pain.

Breast Lipofilling: Is the Bra Really Full? Clinical Bra Pressure Measurement and In Vitro Testing of Processed and Unprocessed Fat Cells.

BACKGROUND: Breast lipofilling, a popular cosmetic and reconstructive procedure, involves the transplantation of autologous fat to enhance breast volume and contour. Despite its widespread use, cell processing and the aftertreatment remain controversial. This study investigates the pressure applied by a compression bra and reports in vitro stress tests of processed and unprocessed fat cells. METHODS: Clinical bra pressure measurements were conducted on a cohort of 45 patients following lipofilling, reduction mammoplasties and DIEP flaps. Laboratory analysis included cell vitality testing using Resazurin assays of processed and unprocessed fat cells after exposure to mechanical or hyperbaric pressure. RESULTS: Our findings show a mean overall pressure value of the compression bra for all patients of 6.7 ± 5.7 mmHg (range 0-35). Cell processing is superior to sedimentation only regarding fat cell vitality. However, neither mechanical pressure within the specified range nor hyperbaric oxygen exposure significantly affected fat graft survival as measured by Resazurin assays. CONCLUSION: The in vitro measurements showed that it was impossible to harm fat cells with external pressure during lipofilling procedures, regardless of their processing. In the clinical context, the compression bra applied pressure values deceeding the perfusion pressure and may therefore not diminish oxygen supply nor harm the transplanted cells. Therefore, we recommend the use of a compression bra for all lipofilling procedures around the breast. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Pectoral Nerve Blocks Under Direct Vision During Endoscopic-Assisted Transaxillary Breast Augmentation: A Novel, Effective Regional Blocking Approach.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic-assisted transaxillary breast augmentation allows performing Pecs block under direct visualization. This study aimed to describe this new technique and demonstrat its short-term efficacy and safety with a preliminary clinical study. METHODS: Patients enrolled for transaxillary endoscopic-assisted prosthetic breast augmentation between February 2022 and March 2023 in two medical centers were included in the pectoral nerve block group. Postoperative VAS scores at 1, 4, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h, surgery duration, and the occurrence of nausea and vomiting were compared with a historical cohort of patients collected between February 2021 and January 2022 with the same inclusion criteria. RESULTS: 229 patients were included in the Pecs group and 116 patients were identified in the control group. No statistical difference was observed in patient characteristics. VAS score at postoperative 1 h and 72 h was similar between the two groups, whereas VAS score at postoperative 4 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h in Pecs group was significantly lower than control group. The occurrence of PONV in the Pecs group is significantly lower than in the control group. The duration of surgery is similar between the two groups. No block-related complication was observed in the Pecs group. CONCLUSION: A novel approach by combining pectoral nerve blocks with transaxillary endoscopic-assisted breast augmentation to perform blocks under direct vision was proposed and its short-term efficacy and safety was determined by this study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .