Pectoralis Major Median Myotomy: The Median Cut

Dual-plane breast augmentation offers the advantages of a subpectoral implant location with the ability to expand its use to glandular ptotic and constricted lower pole breasts. Alas, high implant position or very loose breast tissue can lead to a notorious breast shape known as the "waterfall deformity." To prevent many of these undesired deformities, the authors introduce a novel pectoralis major median myotomy they call the "median cut." From all of the dual-plane breast augmentations that were performed by the two authors between the years 2011 and 2017, a total of 605 included a median cut to resolve an apparent waterfall deformity. Without this procedure, a shift to subglandular augmentation would have been performed. The authors strongly believe that the median cut is a powerful and effective way to avoid intraoperative waterfall deformities and to have more women benefit from a submuscular approach. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Therapeutic, IV.