Mammary anatomy

Abstract

A thorough understanding of breast development and anatomy is a requirement for modern plastic surgeons. Advanced techniques of reduction mammaplasty, mastopexy, augmentation, and reconstruction demand comprehensive knowledge of the now detailed descriptions of breast architecture. As a complicated physiologic and esthetic structure, the form and function of the breast weighs heavily on a woman's psyche. Significant improvements or complications can impact greatly on self image for better or worse. Optimizing results and avoidance of complications take root in the knowledge of breast anatomy. Only then can a plastic surgeon engage his full creativity in sculpting the breast form. © 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.