• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.231-236
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• 2005

Nowadays breast reconstruction with autologous tissues after radical mastectomy is commonly performed, and a natural inframammary fold in the reconstructed breast is considered to be an essential aspect of symmetrical breast shape and location. Total of 104 patients underwent breast reconstruction with free TRAM flap and formation of inframammary fold with free TRAM breast reconstruction was done in 79 patients. No suture fixation for inframammary fold were done in 19 patients. 27 patients(24.0%) were made of inframammary fold with absorbable suture, 52 patients (50.0%) underwent inframammary fold creation with nonabsorbable suture. There were 4 cases(16.0%) of displacement of reconstructed breast and 2 cases(8.0%) of partial disruption of inframammary fold in the group of no suture. There were 2 cases(7.4%) of displacement of reconstructed breast and 3 cases(11.1%) of partial disruption of inframmamary fold in the fixed group with absorbable suture. There was only 1 case(1.9%) of partial disruption of inframammary fold fixed with nonabsorbable suture group. Therefore, we could speculate that the reinforcement of ligamentous structure for making the definite inframammary fold is necessary, and the area of the inframammary fold should not be undermined in immediate breast reconstruction as much as possible in order to preserve the zone of adherence. If the fold is disrupted during the mastectomy, it should be re-created with the non-absorbable sutures. Nonabsorbable suture fixation seemed to be more stable than absorbable suture. Preoperative marking and design are very important to make the symmetrical shape and location of inframammary fold in both of immediate and delayed reconstruction of breasts.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.63-68
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• 2011

Purpose: Mastectomy is one of the operative procedures of female to male transsexuals. It is aimed to excise all of breast tissues and to reconstruct male chest wall, areola, and nipple. Breast sizes are varied by developmental status and their hormonal therapy. There are several approaches for mastectomy. This study is aimed to suggest appropriate mastectomy methods according to breast size in the female to male transgenders. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 46 patients of female to male transgenders. Breast size was categorized by their inner wear size. In A cup size, mastectomy was done with periareolar approach. In C cup size, inframammary fold approach subcutaneous mastectomy was performed. In B cup size, periareolar approach was used for grade A or B ptosis patient, and inframammary fold approach was choosen for the patient with grade C ptosis. Results: Subcutaneous mastectomy was done through semicircular periareolar approach for 26 patients. There were 2 cases of major complications that should be corrected by hematoma evacuation. Circumareolar approach was used for 5 patients, and a case of nipple-areolar complex necrosis was observed. Two cases of another complications which were irregularity of breast and wound disruption could be corrected. Inframammary fold approach was selected for 15 patients. There was a case of wound disruption, so revision surgery whould be done. Four cases of breast irregularity was corrected spontaneously, and 2 cases of partial necrosis of nipple-areolar complex were corrected with secondary healing. Patient satisfaction score for periareolar, cicumareolar, and inframmammary fold approach were 4.5, 4.2 and 4.1, respectively. Some major and minor complications were observed, but satisfactory results could be secured. Conclusion: Semicircular periareolar incision looked adequate for A cup size patient, circumareolar incision was suitable for B cup size with grade A or B ptosis. In B cup size with grade C ptosis patient and C cup patients, inframammary fold incision looked suitable for optimal results.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.367-374
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• 2018

Background This analysis presents patient-reported outcomes of breast augmentation procedures performed in Singapore using an inframammary fold incision and the "5 Ps" best practice principles for breast augmentation. These data are the first of their kind in Southeast Asian patients. Methods Through a retrospective chart review, patients who underwent primary breast augmentation with anatomical form-stable silicone gel breast implants using an inframammary fold incision were followed for ${\geq}6$ months postoperatively. The BREAST-Q Augmentation Module (scores standardized to 0 [worst] - 100 [best]) and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS; 1 [normal skin] to 10 [worst scar imaginable]) were administered. Responses were summarized using descriptive statistics. Patient-reported events were collected. Results Twenty-two Southeast Asian patients (mean age, 35.1 years) completed ${\geq}1$ postoperative BREAST-Q and POSAS assessment and were assessed 11 months to 5.5 years postoperatively. The mean postoperative BREAST-Q satisfaction with breasts and psychosocial well-being scores were 69.2 and 84.0, respectively. The mean POSAS score for their overall opinion of the scar was 4.2; the mean scores for all scar characteristics ranged from 1.2 to 4.2. Over 90% of patients (20/22) said that they would recommend the procedure. Patient complaints following surgery included anisomastia (possibly pre-existing; n=2), sensory loss at the nipple (n=2) or around the nipple (n=3), scarring (n=4), and slight capsular contracture (n=1). No patients required reoperation. Conclusions Southeast Asian patients reported high long-term satisfaction scores on the BREAST-Q scale and with their scar characteristics following breast augmentation using an inframammary fold incision, and nearly all said they would recommend this procedure. No reoperations were necessary in patients assessed for up to 5.5 years postoperatively.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.755-760
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• 2009

Purpose: Breast surgeons usually insert tissue expander or implant beneath the subpectoral - subglandular dual plane in breast reconstruction. But sometimes it happens unsatisfactory lower pole fullness, asymmetric inframammary fold and breast shape because there is implant migration due to the pectoralis major muscle contraction and gravity. To solve all the problem like these, we introduce implant breast reconstruction using AlloDerm$^{(R)}$(LifeCell Corp., Branchburg, N.J.) sling. Methods: The AlloDerm$^{(R)}$ sling was used in 13 patients and 18 breasts for implant breast reconstruction. After mastectomy, costal and lower sternal insertion of pectoralis major muscle was detached. Rehydrated AlloDerm$^{(R)}$ was sutured to the chest wall and serratus anterior fascia at the level of inframammary fold downward and to lower border of the pectoralis major muscle upward like crescent shape with tension free technique after implant insertion into the subpectoral - subAlloDerm dual pocket. Results: We make satisfactory lower pole fullness, symmetric inframammary fold and breast shape. In conclusion, patients obtain relatively natural breast shape. There was no complication except one case of capsular contracture and one case of breast cellulitis. Conclusion: Implant breast reconstruction using AlloDerm$^{(R)}$ sling makes easy to get natural breast shape through satisfactory lower pole fullness, symmetric inframammary fold and implant positioning.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.458-465
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• 2014

The axillary technique is the most popular approach to breast augmentation among Korean women. Transaxillary breast augmentation is now conducted with sharp electrocautery dissection under direct endoscopic vision throughout the entire process. The aims of this method are clear: both a bloodless pocket and a sharp non-traumatic dissection. Round textured or anatomical cohesive gel implants have been used to make predictable welldefined inframammary creases because textured surface implants demonstrated a better stability attributable to tissue adherence compared with smooth surface implants. The axillary endoscopic technique has greatly evolved, and now the surgical results are comparable to those with the inframammary approach. The author feels that this technique is an excellent choice for young patients with an indistinct or absent inframammary fold, who do not want a scar in the aesthetic unit of their chest.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.407-413
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• 2014

Background Implant malposition can produce unsatisfactory aesthetic results after breast augmentation. The goal of this article is to identify aspects of the preoperative surgical planning and intraoperative flap fixation that can prevent implant malposition. Methods This study examined 36 patients who underwent primary dual plane breast augmentation through an inframammary incision between September 1, 2012 and January 31, 2013. Before the surgery, preoperative evaluation and design using the Randquist formula were performed. Each patient was evaluated retrospectively for nipple position relative to the breast implant and breast contour, using standardized preoperative and postoperative photographs. The average follow-up period was 10 months. Results Seven of 72 breasts were identified as having implant malposition. These malpositions were divided into two groups. In relation to the new breast mound, six breasts had an inferiorly positioned and one breast had a superiorly positioned nipple-areolar complex. Two of these seven breasts were accompanied with an unsatisfactory breast contour. Conclusions We identified two main causes of implant malposition after inframammary augmentation mammaplasty. One cause was an incorrect preoperatively designed nipple to inframammary fold (N-IMF) distance. The breast skin and parenchyma quality, such as an extremely tight envelope, should be considered. If an extremely tight envelope is found, the preoperatively designed new N-IMF distance should be increased. The other main cause of malposition is failure of the fascial suture from Scarpa's fascia to the perichondrium through an inframammary incision. As well, when this fixation is performed, it should be performed directly downward to the perichondrium, rather than slanted in a cranial or caudal direction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.545-552
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• 2008

Purpose: The transaxillary approach for breast augmentation has been advocated for patients and surgeons for several decades. However, this blind technique had many disadvantages including, traumatic dissection, difficult hemostasis, displacement of implants, and ill-defined asymmetrical location of inframammary crease. In the present study, the precise endoscopic electrocautery dissection was applied to eliminate the limits of blunt dissection throughout the procedures. Methods: From December 2006 to December 2007, a total of 103 patients with an average age of 29.5 years underwent endoscopic assisted transaxillary dual plane augmentation mammoplasty. The mean implant size was 243 cc with the range between 150 and 350 cc. Through a 4 cm axillary incision, electrocautery dissection for submuscular pockets was carried out under the endoscopic control. The costal origin of pectoralis muscle was completely divided to expose subcutaneous tissue and to make type I dual plane. Results: Using the endoscopic dissection, we achieved good aesthetic results including a short recovery period, less morbidity, and symmetrical well-defined inframammary crease. Type I dual plane procedure could support the consistent inframammary fold shape and be applied to most patients without breast ptosis. Minor complications did not occur, however, four major complications of capsular contracture occurred. Conclusion: In contrast to the era of the blind techniques, endoscopic assisted transaxillary dual plane breast augmentation can now be performed effectively and reproducibly. With Its advantage, the axillary application of endoscopy for augmentation mammaplasty is useful to achieve the optimal cosmetic outcomes.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.237-244
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• 2005

Although the technique of vertical reduction mammaplasty has gained major popularity, it is difficult to perform and has the steep learning curve. The authors present a modification of the standard Lejour vertical mammaplasty that simplify the design and make it more reliable and easy to perform. We simplified the design by discarding the Mosque dome. From March 2000 to March 2004, we performed this technique for 40 patients with breast hypertrophy. The apex of the design was marked at the anterior projection of the inframammary fold. After resection of the breast tissue, the medial and lateral pillars were approximated. Then a new nipple-areola position was determined at 4.0-5.0 cm from a new inframammary fold. The range of resection amount of breast tissues was from 150 to 750 gram. Most of the patients were satisfied with the results. There was no permanent sensory loss and nipple areola skin necrosis. But there was 1 case of hematoma on the first day after the operation. This technique presents several advantages. It allows shaping and projection without compromising the future nipple position and makes it easier to remove an excessive skin around the areolae. And it may be comfortable to adjust the position of the nipple at the end of the procedure. We believe that this modification helps to improve the results of the vertical reduction mammaplasty.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.446-452
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• 2015

Background Various techniques are used for performing breast reduction. Wise-pattern and vertical scar techniques are the most commonly employed approaches. However, a vertical scar in the mid-lower breast is prominent and aesthetically less pleasant. In contrast, a semicircular horizontal approach does not leave a vertical scar in the mid breast and transverse scars can be hidden in the inframammary fold. In this paper, we describe the experiences and results of semicircular horizontal breast reductions performed by a single surgeon. Methods Between September 1996 and October 2013, our senior author used this technique in 38 cases in the US and at our institution. We used a superiorly based semicircular incision, where the upper skin paddle was pulled down to the inframammary fold with the nipple-areola complex pulled through the keyhole. Results The average total reduction per breast was 584 g, ranging from 286 to 794 g. The inferior longitudinal pedicle was used in all the cases. The average reduction of the distance from the sternal notch to the nipple was 13 cm (range, 11-15 cm). The mean decrease in the bra cup size was 1.7 cup sizes (range, a decrease of 1 to 3). We obtained very satisfactory results with a less noticeable scar, no complication such as necrosis of the nipple or the skin flap, wound infection, aseptic necrosis of the breast tissue, or wound dehiscence. One patient had a small hematoma that resolved spontaneously. Conclusions This technique is straightforward and easy to learn, and offers a safe, effective, and predictable way for treating mammary hypertrophy.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.262-266
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• 2019

Transsexual individuals with gender dysphoria or gender identity disorder are rare, with a prevalence reported to range from 0.002% to 0.014%. Studies have shown that mastectomy yields significant improvements in body image and self-esteem in female-to-male transsexual patients. In patients with grade III breast ptosis, mastectomy with a nipple-areolar complex (NAC) graft is the most commonly used technique, although it has several disadvantages. In the case described herein, a bilateral mastectomy preserving the NAC in an inferior pedicle was performed. Additionally, a thin superior thoracic dermal-fat flap was preserved and eventually sutured at the previous inframammary fold, preventing an inverted T scar. This case shows the advantage of this technique for preserving the blood supply and innervation of the NAC, with a low hypopigmentation risk. Furthermore, in this technique, the patch effect does not impair the results of the NAC graft, and there is no need to use an inverted T scar that may result in thoracic feminization.