Vertical scar mammaplasty: Stable padding of the superior pole by means of a posteriorly based pedicle autoprosthesis

Abstract

Background: By means of the classical operations of reduction mammaplasty and mastopexy, one may never achieve an adequate shaping of the upper half of the breast. Objective: To durably fill the superior mammary pole, I suggest that the ptotic tissue of the inferior portion should be used even in the vertical scar technique. Methods: A glandular-adipose flap with a posterior pedicle can be lifted upward without any difficulty. This "autoprosthesis" is then anchored to the chest wall by sutures, and the areolar flap may be placed directly above it. Once the lateral pillars are joined according to the Lassus-Lejour technique, the flap is permanently fixed. Results: Thirty-five patients were treated with this technique from 1995 to 1997, of whom 24 underwent "pure" mastopexy and 11 underwent reductions averaging excision of 360 cc per breast. Conclusions: This technique has helped alleviate the problem of an empty upper pole of the female breast after mammaplasty and achieve a turgid and "padded" appearance to the breast after 2 years. Copyright © 1999 by The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc.