Single-Stage Augmentation Mastopexy With Composite Reverse Inferior Muscle Sling Technique for Autologous Reinforcement of the Inferior Pole: Technical Refinements and Outcomes.

Background: Single-stage augmentation mastopexy (SAM) is a common procedure, but revision rates are high. Muscle slings have been used in SAM, but despite satisfactory outcomes, most studies do not include objective or accurate measurements of implant/breast position. This article describes a surgical technique for SAM employing a composite reverse inferior muscle sling (CRIMS).

Objectives: The authors sought to assess outcomes from primary SAM procedures utilizing the CRIMS technique in a cohort of patients operated on by a single surgeon.

Methods: Thirty-two patients (60 breasts) aged a mean of 43.1 ± 6.8 years underwent primary CRIMS mastopexy to treat severe ptosis (grade III-IV) in 25 patients (78.1%). The average implant volume was 255 cc (range, 215-335 cc). Three-dimensional imaging obtained from the Divina scanner system was employed to evaluate lower pole stretch and lower pole arc and to determine long-term ptosis.

Results: Four cases of complications were observed in 3 patients (9.3%), minor dehiscence in 2 and capsular contraction in 1, during a mean follow-up of 42 months. The value for lower pole stretch was 5.5% (P < 0.0001) between 10 days and 1 year, with the majority occurring early in the first 6 months, indicating that lower pole arc remained steady during the last months of follow-up.

Conclusions: Advances in techniques have led to improvements in aesthetic outcomes following SAM, and CRIMS can play a helpful role. Our results show this procedure is suitable for patients with breast ptosis, with acceptable complication rates and the added bonus of implant stabilization within the pocket.