Submuscular augmentation mammaplasty using a perinipple incision

The periareolar approach for submuscular augmentation mammaplasty sometimes shows a widened or hypertrophic scar and distorts the shape of the areolar-skin junction. The authors describe submuscular augmentation mammaplasty using a perinipple incision and muscle preservation techniques. The perinipple incision can be extended using a backcut within the areola according to the thickness of the index finger of the operator. The authors could reach the lateral edge of the pectoralis major and lift it while preserving anatomic continuity. The folded, smooth saline implant was introduced with a no-touch or minimal-touch technique. Implant volumes ranged from 175 to 325 mL. Ten to 25-mL volume was overfilled (within the recommended amount), particularly large volume was overfilled in patients who had a thin envelope to reduce the palpation of the edge of the implant. From August 2000 to December 2002, 306 patients underwent subpectoral augmentation mammaplasty via the perinipple approach. Eleven patients complained of rippling or a visible fold. There were 7 patients who required a partial capsulectomy through the perinipple incision again. The scar was well hidden but scar revision was needed in 17 patients as a result of skin slough on the areola flap. Of these cases, some were camouflaged using a medical tattooing procedure as well. Pain was reduced markedly compared with the axillary approach. In conclusion, the perinipple incision has a less visible scar in patients who have an ill-demarcated skin-areolar junction and provides a similar operative field compared with the periareolar incision. In addition, preservation of the normal skin-areola junction is cosmetically successful.