A Prospective Study of Breast Morphological Changes and the Correlative Factors After Periareolar Dual-Plane Augmentation Mammaplasty with Anatomic Implant.

Abstract

Dual-plane breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure. However, objective evaluations on the effects of dual-plane breast augmentation on breast morphology are lacking. This study evaluated the breast morphological changes and correlative factors after dual-plane anatomic implant augmentation with a periareolar incision via a Vectra 3-dimensional (3D) scanning technique. The dynamic changes in linear distance, breast projection, nipple position, and breast volume and surface over time (preoperatively; 1month, 3months, 6months, and 12months after surgery) were analyzed in 21 patients with the Vectra 3D scanning technique. In another group of 65 patients, the influence of the implant parameters and tissue characteristics of the patients on breast morphological changes were evaluated. The breast measurements changed significantly up to 6months postoperatively and remained stable thereafter. The inframammary fold dropped by 0.8cm at 1month postoperatively and by 0.5cm in the following 11months. The preoperative implant volume and a lower pole skin elasticity lead to an increase in the nipple-to-inframammary fold distance. Compared with the expected values, the final volume was 10.9% smaller, and the projection was 25% smaller. Both the reduced volume and projection were correlated with the implant parameters and preoperative values. The nipple level was slightly elevated by approximately 0.8cm. This study provides objective information regarding the breast morphological changes and correlative factors after dual-plane breast augmentation. These information may help to further understand the operation effects of dual-plane breast augmentation and to guide medical practice. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .