Subareolar mastopexy: update

A preliminary report on a new technique for dermal overlap subareolar mastopexy appeared in 2001.

This paper reports on a series of 117 patients who underwent subareolar mastopexy and describes several modifications of the original technique.

Preoperative markings defined the upper edge of the new areola position, the circumferential outline, and the outer edge of the areola. The skin was deepithelialized, and the areolar flap was elevated to the level of the nipple pedicle. Dissection was performed in the subdermal plane to the inframammary fold, the breast tissue was elevated, and the medial and lateral flaps were overlapped for mastopexy. Depending on the procedure, a wedge of tissue was removed for breast reduction or a submuscular pocket was created for placement of an implant. Closure of the areola incision was carried out with the use of 2 or 3 purse-string sutures.

Satisfactory results were achieved with few complications, including less areolar stretching and a higher degree of nipple-areolar projection compared with the results of conventional doughnut mastopexy.

This technique provides excellent results for those patients who are willing to accept partial improvement of ptosis in order to minimize the scar. The degree of ptosis correction is not as marked as that achieved with the vertical or anchor mastopexy.