Augmentation mammaplasty by reverse abdominoplasty (AMBRA).

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Aesthetic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Autologous tissue offers a durable alternative for breast augmentation.
• Simultaneous abdominal rejuvenation alongside breast procedures is desirable for many patients.
• Novel techniques are needed to combine these procedures effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Augmentation Mammaplasty by Reverse Abdominoplasty (AMBRA) technique.
• To evaluate the efficacy of AMBRA in providing autologous tissue for breast augmentation.
• To assess the simultaneous abdominal rejuvenation outcomes of the AMBRA procedure.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-seven patients underwent AMBRA between 1997 and 2006.
• Upper abdominal adipofascial flaps were harvested and transposed subglandularly, maintaining vascular supply.
• Reverse abdominoplasty facilitated donor-site closure and abdominal aesthetic improvement.

Main Results:

• Sixty-two percent of patients had simultaneous mastopexy, and 43% had panniculectomy.
• Complications were minimal in the superior pedicle group.
• The inferior pedicle group experienced more complications due to patient premorbidity and technique limitations.

Conclusions:

• AMBRA is a versatile procedure for carefully selected patients, addressing both breast augmentation and abdominal rejuvenation.
• It provides durable autologous tissue, potentially improving outcomes compared to or enhancing prosthetic implants.
• The technique shows promise as an adjunct for breast reconstructive surgeons.