Dermal Triangular Flaps to Prevent Pseudoptosis in Mastopexy Surgery: The Hammock Technique

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Cosmetic Surgery
• Breast Aesthetics

Background:

• Mastopexy is a common cosmetic procedure, yet preventing recurrent ptosis remains a challenge.
• Several risk factors, including massive weight loss, multiple pregnancies, and smoking, can negatively impact mastopexy outcomes.
• Upper pole deflation is a frequent concern in patients undergoing breast lift surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel mastopexy technique designed to address moderate to severe breast ptosis/pseudoptosis with upper pole deflation.
• To assess the long-term efficacy of this technique in maintaining desired breast shape, particularly in patients with common risk factors.
• To compare the outcomes of the new technique against a standard mastopexy approach.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 12 patients with at least one risk factor for pseudoptosis underwent the hammock mastopexy technique using dermal flaps.
• Patients were categorized into subgroups based on the number of preoperative risk factors.
• Aesthetic outcomes were evaluated at 12 months postoperatively through standardized measurements and photographic analysis, with comparison to a control group.

Main Results:

• The hammock mastopexy technique demonstrated satisfactory maintenance of breast shape and nipple-areola complex position at 12 months across all risk factor groups.
• A statistically significant difference in lower pole lengthening was observed in patients with over three risk factors compared to other groups.
• The hammock technique group showed significantly less lower pole lengthening at 12 months compared to the control group.

Conclusions:

• The hammock mastopexy technique effectively improves breast projection and reinforces lower pole support using lateral and medial dermal flaps.
• This technique is safe, reliable, and reproducible for patients prone to postoperative pseudoptosis.
• The study suggests improved long-term aesthetic stability compared to conventional mastopexy in high-risk patients.