Application of CD-4 theory in determining the width of implant in breast augmentation

Abstract

Objective To introduce a new method (CD-4theory) to determine the width (W) of the implant and to explain the reasons why to do so in details. Methods From January 2006 to August 2015, the authors have found and appliedCD-4theory to determine the width (W) of breast implant in dual plane Ⅰ or Ⅱ breast augmentation cases through transaxillary or periareolar incision for 630 patients.CDwas defined as the curved distance on skin from the midline of the sternal bone to the anterior axillary line (AAL) on the lateral chest wall through the horizontal level on inferior mammary fold (IMF). W = CD-4.0 cm or 3.5 cm. Results The 630 patients were treated by using both round and anatomic implants with width from 10.5 cm to 12.5 cm. Their CDs were from 14.5 cm to 17 cm. 78% of the patients were followed up from 1 month to 5 years. Except for 5 patients were unilateral capsular contractions, all the other patients were satisfied with their nature new breast shapes and volumes. Their new intermammary cleavages without bras were between 1-2.5 cm and lateral borders of breast were on the area of the anterior axillary line (AAL). Conclusions Width of the implant is equal to CD-4.0 cm when doing dual plan Ⅰ or Ⅱ breast augmentation. For the very thin patient, the width should be 3.5 cm. Key words: Breast augmentation; Anterior axillary line; Breast-implant; Width