Improving aesthetic outcomes in mastopexy with the “autoprosthesis” technique

Abstract

The autoprosthesis technique for mastopexy is a simple and safe, technique, allowing long-lasting results for breast projection and upper pole fullness.

Long-term results measured by BREAST-Q reveal higher patient satisfaction after “autoimplant-mastopexy” than augmentation-mastopexy

“…These occurred at the convergence of the flaps in the inverted-T skin scar, where the tension on the skin flaps is usually the highest. Compared with other studies, the incidence of delayed wound healing was quite high (1,3,24). This however, might be explained by a high number of patients that had previous breast operations as well as the fact that almost half of the patients were smokers.…”

“…Since the first reports of autologous parenchymal flaps in the 1970s (14,15), numerous techniques with only subtle variations were published. These include variations regarding incision patterns, orientation of the pedicle and fixation maneuver (2)(3)(4)(15)(16)(17). Further techniques propose the additional use of tissue from the back, referred to as thoracic wall flaps, that are especially popular in massive weight loss patients (5,18).…”

“…In the past, various techniques that differ in the incision pattern and dermoglandular pedicle have been proposed under the term "Autoaugmentation" mastopexy (3,4,8,9). In our department, an inferior based dermoglandular flap proposed by Graf and Biggs was used (2).…”

“…Although all techniques make use of the existing breast tissue, we prefer to use the term "Autoimplant-Mastopexy," as no augmentation of the breast volume was achieved. Concerning mastopexies combined with an autoimplant, literature is relatively sparse and heterogeneous due to different surgical techniques and outcome definitions (1)(2)(3)(4). Given the increasing demand of the use of autologous tissue, we therefore aimed to compare the combination of a mastopexy either with an "Autoimplant" or a silicone implant to determine differences in complications, longterm results and patient satisfaction using BREAST-Q score (10).…”

Shaping a Flap Using a Bioabsorbable Mold—A Preliminary Report

“…At present, breast shaping in autologous reconstruction, breast reduction, or mastopexy is performed through tissue fixation using absorbable or nonabsorbable sutures. Although these surgical outcomes have improved because of the recent advances in 3D imaging technologies and surgical procedures, 1 – 4 there is a limitation of fixation using sutures (ie, inaccuracy and postoperative slack). The advantages of using the absorbable mold in actual clinical practice are the fact that the flap shape is retained inside the mold during the scar formation, which occurs in approximately 1–2 months postoperatively, and that malposition and drooping of the flap due to inadequate fixation of the flap and postsurgical compression are likely preventable.…”