Ultrasound-assisted breast reduction and mastopexy

Abstract

Background: The development of technology for ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) offers the aesthetic surgeon a new tool for breast surgery procedures including breast reduction, breast lift, and the correction of mild- to medium-degree ptosis. Objective: The authors report on a series of 120 patients who underwent breast surgery with the use of UAL from 1995 through 2000. Methods: Preoperative screening, including mammography, was performed to evaluate breast tissue and determine whether patients were good candidates for surgery. Variants of Klein's tumescent solution were infiltrated, depending on the form of anesthesia administered. Stab incisions 2-cm long were made at the axillary line and 2 cm below the inframammary crease to allow entry of a 35-cm solid titanium probe. With use of a 50% power setting, ultrasound energy was applied from 10 to 15 minutes to up to 30 minutes to emulsify the fat. Ultrasound stimulation of the superficial layers of subcutaneous tissue was applied to promote retraction of the breast skin. Results: A mean of 500 mL of fat emulsion from each breast was obtained without major complications. Nipple elevation of up to 5 cm was possible if a large-volume reduction was performed in combination with ultrasound stimulation of the subcutaneous layer. Conclusions: The use of UAL to achieve breast reduction and mastopexy is both safe and effective for selected patients when performed by a surgeon experienced in the technique. ( Aesthetic Surg J 2001;21:493-506.)