Dual pedicle mastopexy technique for reorientation of volume and shape after subglandular and submuscular breast implant removal.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this article was to report our experience in achieving satisfactory breast shape and volume using dual pedicle mastopexy technique after subglandular and submuscular breast implant removal.

METHODS: Breast implant-related problems in 51 breasts included capsular contracture (Baker grade III-IV), 76%; implant rupture/bleed, 41%; breasts undergoing repeat surgery more than once, 22%. The size of the breast implants removed ranged from 240 to 525 cc (average size: 320 ± 65 cc) (saline-filled, 40%; silicone-filled, 60%; subglandular, 40%; submuscular, 60%). Capsulectomy, implant removal, and dual pedicle mastopexy were performed for reconfiguration of breast shape and reorientation of volume.

RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 14.5 months. On average, 65.0% of breast implant volume was achieved. There was 1-cup reduction in brassiere size in 21 patients, and the cup size remained the same in 5 patients. Postoperative pain scores were no pain or mild pain in 26 patients who initially in the preoperative evaluation reported having mild pain (11), moderate pain (12), and severe pain (3). Overall patient satisfaction scores were 3 (neutral) in 1 patient, 4 (satisfied) in 12 patients, and 5 (very satisfied) in 13 patients.

CONCLUSION: The dual pedicle mastopexytechnique provided a reliable way of reorienting breast volume and configuring breast shape in patients who opted to have implants removed without replacement. The results demonstrated that a pleasing outcome could be obtained using the described technique with additional benefits of elimination of breast tenderness and discomfort secondary to implant removal and/or capsulectomy.