[Transaxillary dual-plane breast augmentation with endoscope assistant].

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of transaxillary dual-plane breast augmentation with endoscope assistant.

Methods: The submuscular pockets were separated through a 4 cm transverse incision in the axilla. The pectoralis major muscle were split from the costal margin with the help of a 10 mm, 30 degree endoscope and endoscopic diathermy scissors. Soft cohesive gel microtextured anatomic style silicone implants ranging in size from 185 to 315 g were placed through the axillary incision. The vacuum drainage was used for 3 approximately 5 days.

Results: 79 patients underwent the dual-plane breast augmentation. Postoperative analgesia requirements were reduced because of muscle strength releasing. The follow-up period was 4 to 6 months with satisfactory results. All the patients had aesthetically natural appearance, with the nipple at the most projected part of the breast. No rippling, lateral displacement, double-bubble deformity, or muscle contraction-associated deformities were seen. There was no complications such as capsular contracture, hematoma, hypertrophic scar, and infection.

Conclusions: Dual-plane breast augmentation using textured silicon gel implant can be completed with the endoscope assistance through the axillary incision. The technique combined retromammary and partial retropectoral pocket locations to optimize the benefits of each pocket location while avoiding the drawbacks of extra incision on the breast.