• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.169-174
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• 2010

Purpose: Reduction mammaplasty is a procedure with a relatively high patient satisfaction rate, however, associated scarring around the areola can be a serious problem. This study proposes a new modification of the breast reduction procedure by means of an inframammary incision alone. Methods: The breast is marked out preoperatively with standing position. Under the general anesthesia, an inframammary incision of approximately 7 - 8 cm is done. The subcutaneous plane is made in the lower pole of the breast, then the subglandular plane is entered and a sharp dissection is made up to 2 cm below the areola. The breast is mobilized from the chest wall and a cone-shaped parenchyme is removed in en-block except from the retroareolar central part. The remaining both pillars are gathered together with absorbable sutures and the base of the gland is narrowed to project the breast forward. The wound is closed in a layered fashion and taping of the breast mound is applied to redistribute the breast skin. Results: 21 patients (36 breasts) underwent this procedure from December 2004 to December 2009. Average follow up was 9 months (ranged from 6 months to 12 months). No major complication occurred. Most patients were pleased with the breast size, shape, and scars. However, 2 patients complained their hypertrophic scars which were corrected by revision. Conclusion: This technique is a simple approach to mild to moderate breast reduction through an inframammary incision alone. And, this technique provides an option with minimal complications and invisible scarring, which is especially important in the young patient group.

• 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.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.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.36 no.6
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• pp.773-778
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• 2009

Purpose: The authors propose the new classification of fatty - type gynecomastia(lipomastia) which can serve as a guide for modifying the periareolar technique. Methods: A retrospective analysis was made of 1000 cases of lipomastia operated on in the last 17 months. The extent of the clinical result, the technique employed, and the complications were observed. On the basis of this review the authors observed that at grade I(fat component < 50 ml, fibroglandular component < 3 g each breast), flattening of the thorax can be achieved by means of stab incision, ultrasound - assisted lipectomy(UAL), scavenging suction - assisted lipectomy(SAL) and tissue shaving. At grade II(50 < < 150 ml, 3 < < 5 g), stab incision, UAL, SAL and pull - out method(POM) using small curved scissors. At grade III(150 < < 300 ml, 5 < < 15 g and prominent inframammary fold(IMF)), minimal incision (5 - 6 mm), UAL, SAL and POM using small angulated scissors, and blunting IMF. At grade IV (300 < < 500 ml, 15 < < 30 g, and glandular ptosis), minimal incision (5 - 6 mm), UAL, SAL, fibroglandular excision using small angulated scissors, cutting IMF and fixation of nipple - areola complex(NAC) becomes necessary. At grade V (> 500 ml, > 30 g and ptosis), small incision (7 - 8 mm), UAL, SAL, fibroglandular excision using large angulated scissors, cutting IMF, upper repositioning of NAC and delayed circumareolar skin reduction or chest lifting becomes necessary. Results: The complications were minimal but there were hematoma (n = 7), infection (n = 3) and hypertrophic scar (n =13). Almost patients were satisfied with the outcome. Conclusion: This simple classification may help in choosing the most suitable treatment, thus avoiding insufficient or invasive treatments and undesirable scars.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.535-538
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• 2011

Purpose: The reverse abdominoplasty has been reported infrequently as a procedure to improve the upper abdominal wall contour. Especially, there have been rare cases on the surgical techniques with augmentation mammoplasty using implant. It is known to maintain the result. Methods: This is a retrospective review of the senior surgeon's patients who underwent reverse abdominoplasty with augmentation mammoplasty. A 63-year-old female was dissatisfied with her contracted breast and upper abdominal contour after previous abdominal wall liposuction. We performed reverse abdominoplasty with augmentation mammoplasty through same inframammary incision. Results: There was a significant improvement of the upper abdominal wall and breast contour. There was no perioperative complication. The patients was satisfied with the results and retained a good shape during the 3 months follow-up periods. Conclusion: Reverse abdominoplasty with augmentation mammoplasty is an acceptable technique that provides good results and should be considered in cases of upper abdominal laxity with capsular contracture on both breasts.

• 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.38 no.4
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• pp.408-414
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• 2011

Purpose: To correct breast ptosis, reduction mammoplasty and mastopexy have been developed in a way that minimizes complications. Recently, as the mean age of breast cancer occurrence is decreasing, the need for breast reconstruction in patients with breast cancer is rising. If mastopexy is performed with breast reconstruction at the same time, the size of the normal breast and the new one is not quite different. We decided to apply Z-plasty, which is a widely-used technique in plastic surgery to lengthen or change the direction of tension of the tissue. Methods: From March 2008 to December 2009, we performed breast reconstruction in 6 patients with breast cancer and scar contracture. After breast reconstruction, mastopexy with Z-plasty was applied to correct the asymmetry. The new nipple-areolar complex is placed on the line connecting the midclavicle and the current nipple. The inferior border of the new areola corresponds with the inferior border of the original areola, and the superior border about 2 cm upward the original superior border. We drew two oblique lines connecting the medial end of the incision line lower to the nipple-areola complex and the lateral end of the inframammary fold for Z-plasty. The excess tissue between these two lines was removed and the new triangular flaps were put together. Results: The average age of patients was 42.6 years, aged from 36.1 to 48.1 The weight of removed tissue was between 54g and 95 g, with the mean of 74 g. The average distance from the midclavicle to the nipple was 24 cm before surgery, and 21 cm after the surgery. The average operation time per patient (1 mastopexy) was 45 minutes, and the patients were satisfied with the size and shape. Conclusion: Applying Z-plasty for the mastopexy on the normal breast ptosis is a relatively simple way to achieve symmetry in patients who need breast reconstruction.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.568-572
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• 2008

Background: Minimally invasive surgery is currently popular, but this has been applied very sparingly to cardiac surgery because of some limitations. Our study evaluated the safety and efficacy of atrial septal defect (ASD) closure through a video-assisted mini-thoracotomy. Material and Method: Fifteen patients were analyzed. Their mean age was $31{\pm}6$ years. The mean ASD size was $24{\pm}5mm$ and there were 3 cases of significant tricuspid regurgitation. The working window was made through the right 4th intercostal space via a $4{\sim}5cm$ inframammary skin incision, CPB was conducted with performing peripheral cannulation. After cardioplegic arrest, the ASDs were closed with a patch (n=11) or direct sutures (n=4), and the procedures were assisted by using a thoracoscope. There were 3 cases of tricuspid repair and 1 case of mitral valve repair. The mean CPB time and aortic occlusion time were $160{\pm}47\;and\;70{\pm}26 $minutes, respectively. Result: There was no mortality, but there were 3 minor complications (one pneumothorax, one wound dehiscence and one arrhythmia). The mean hospital stay was $5.9{\pm}1.8$ days. The mean follow-up duration was $10.7{\pm}6.4$ months. The follow-up echocardiogram noted no residual ASD or significant tricuspid regurgitation. Three patients suffered from pain or numbness. Conclusion: This study showed satisfactory clinical and cosmetic results. Although the operative time is still too long, more experience and specialized equipment would make this technique a good option for treating ASD.