Augmentation mammaplasty using perithelial incision for a saline breast implant:a retrospective analysis of 30 cases

Abstract

Objective Convenient and less invasive operating procedure with minimal postoperative scar are the developing directions.Purpose of this paper is to describe a small perithelial incision in order to produce an inconspicuous postoperative scar with excellent patient satisfaction.Methods Thirty patients underwent surgery under either general or local anesthesia by a single surgeon between January 2000 and December 2007.We applied perithelial incision,which was 2mm higher than lower nipple margin.We could extend 0.5cm up to bilateral horizontal areola with the small nipple.Total incision length was less than 2.5cm.The pocket plane was dissected through subpectoral or subglandular for implant placement.The saline breast implants with diaphragm valve were inserted,and 200～300ml saline was injected which was followed by sealing in layers and wrapping up the incisions after confirming the symmetrical size and shape for both breasts.Results All the patients displayed excellent satisfaction postoperatively and at final follow-up,which had minimal scar formation and good quality of healing.There were no deformation and capsular contracture of nipples,and no implant asymmetry bilaterally.Mild post-operative sensory loss was present in 1 up to 3 months postoperatively in 5 patients,which was resolved ultimately.Ten patients had rippling and two patients required insertion of new implants because of rupture of implants.Conclusions This Small perithelial incision is an effective and high safety alternative technique for augmentation mammaplasty with saline-filled implants,which has less complication rate with minimal scar formation.Wide spread application of this implant is recommended.