Breast Augmentation: Inferior Periareolar Technique with Local Tumescent Anesthesia Only

Abstract

Introduction: Breast augmentation is performed throughout the world by means of numerous surgical techniques and anesthesia. We utilize an inferior periareolar (IPA) technique with local tumescent anesthesia only. This allows an ambulatory procedure, excellent anatomic dissection, and a bloodless surgical field. The main goal of any aesthetic procedure is to create beauty, body harmony, and low morbidity. We are able to attain these goals with the IPA approach. Materials and Methods: The study design is a retrospective analysis of 80 patients (76 women and 4 men) who underwent breast augmentation via our IPA technique. All patients had their nipple areolar complex (NAC) sensitivity, scar quality, and aesthetic results analyzed. Our surgical technique and anesthesia are discussed in detail. Results: Eight patients were excluded because they left the country and were not available for postoperative evaluation. The incision site (scar) was inconspicuous in 98% of the patients and 99% had their total NAC sensitivity return to normal within 4 months. The morbidity was very low. Two patients had superficial wound dehiscence and scar revision 1 month postoperatively. One patient had a unilateral hematoma and 2 presented with hypopigmentation at the incision site. Contour irregularity was observed in 1 patient bilaterally. Discussion: IPA technique and tumescent anesthesia for breast augmentation provides patients with excellent aesthetic results and low morbidity on a procedure performed on an ambulatory basis. It is a technique that should be considered by all plastic surgeons doing breast augmentation. We perform the procedure in our well-equipped ambulatory surgical facility with trained personnel, including an anesthetist.