Complete submuscular breast augmentation: 650 cases managed using an alternative surgical technique.

BACKGROUND: An alternative complete submuscular surgical technique for primary breast augmentation is presented. Since 1998, the author has refined the procedure for total submuscular placement of textured silicone gel implants, with good results for more than 650 patients.

METHODS: The submuscular plane is accessed via a semicircular periareolar incision. Round or anatomic implants are placed beneath the pectoralis major and external oblique muscles, the rectus sheath, and the serratus anterior muscle fascia, which together create a contiguous structure that completely separates the implant from the breast tissue.

RESULTS: High-riding implants were the main complication in early cases, through creation of an insufficiently large submuscular pocket. Only a very low incidence of Baker II capsular fibrosis was observed, and there were no Baker III or IV capsular contracture revisions. There were no cases of infection or "bottoming out." Areolar scarring was well concealed, and rippling and implant distortion were virtually nonexistent. Even in thin women, the implant edge was scarcely visible or palpable. Patient satisfaction levels were very high, with the majority viewing the implants as their own tissue in terms of natural feel and appearance.

CONCLUSIONS: The advantages of the described surgical method are several-fold, particularly for lean patients. It offers a promising alternative to subglandular and partial submuscular implant placement and to other total submuscular techniques for primary breast augmentation. Furthermore, it provides a solution for tuberous and ptotic breasts, coupled with mastopexy as required, and good results have been achieved with correctional surgery for subglandular capsular contracture, bottoming out, and rippling.