Explantation with Lateral Pedicle Mastopexy.

Abstract

While breast explantation combined with mastopexy is an increasingly common procedure, it does present certain technical difficulties. We present a technique of explantation mastopexy with the use of an extended lateral pedicle for auto-augmentation. A consecutive series of 40 cases was retrospectively reviewed, with patient reported outcome questionnaire and photography at 3 and 12 months. The mean age was 57 years (range 40 - 70 years), and mean duration of implantation was 20.4 years (range 7 - 42 years). 12 women had undergone previous mastopexy (30%). Minor wound complications requiring simple dressings were seen in 7 cases (17.5%). Major infected wound problems occurred in 1 case, who was a smoker and had other co-morbidities. All except 1 case reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome, with a mean patient reported satisfaction score of 4.9/5. When the photographs were independently assessed by a cosmetic practitioner, all cases were rated as average, good or very good, with a mean score of 4.1/5. The procedure is associated with low risk of post-operative complications, good cosmetic outcomes, and a high degree of patient satisfaction. We feel this technique provides a logical, reproducible method for combined explantation and mastopexy.