Factors Affecting Lower-pole Stretch after Breast Augmentation

Abstract

Background: Breast augmentation surgical planning based on soft-Tissue characteristics including the type of lower-pole pocket direction has been described. Objective outcome measures of the effects of some of these choices on postoperative lower-pole settling, including dual-plane dissection type, have been lacking. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether the type/extent of dual-plane dissection, patient age, or variables in breast implant characteristics affected implant-soft tissue dynamics of the lower pole of the breast enough to cause difference in implant settling during the postoperative period. Methods: Measurements of nipple-To-inframammary fold distance in primary breast augmentation patients were collected prospectively for 227 female primary breast augmentation patients during postoperative visits over an 8-year period. Changes in this distance during the postoperative period were evaluated for correlation with dual-plane dissection type, patient age, implant fill material, implant size, and implant profile. Results: Increasing dual-plane dissection type did demonstrate a trend toward greater postoperative lower-pole stretch. Only implant profile affected lower-pole stretch, with statistical significance shown in the ultrahigh-profile group. Age, implant fill material, and size of implant did not show any notable effect. Conclusions: Ultrahigh-profile implants cause significantly more lower-pole stretch postoperatively, whereas increasing dual-plane dissection type appears to have some effect as well. Age, implant material, and size of implant are of less importance over a 6-month period.