Importance of the periareolar approach in the augmentation of the ptotic breast

Abstract

This is a retrospective review of 66 patients with grade II breast ptosis who underwent augmentation mammaplasty from January 1996 to January 2001. Of these 66 patients, 17 were augmented using a periareolar approach, and 49 were augmented using an inframammary approach. All patients had textured saline implants, and 64 of 66 patients had the implants placed in a submuscular position. Mean photographic follow-up was 4.8 months (range, 6 weeks-1 year). When compared with an inframammary approach in the presence of grade II ptosis, a periareolar approach results in improved fill of the lower pole of the breast, improved centralization of the nipple on the breast mound, and lessening or elimination of undesirable upper pole fullness.