Split Inferior Pedicle: The 1-Stage Augmentation Mastopexy for Grade 3 Ptosis

In this article, the authors describe the 1-stage surgical technique that has been used by the senior author since 1990 for all his primary grade 2 and grade 3 augmentation-mastopexies. The article provides a safe, simple, and reproducible approach to a challenging procedure, one that tends to be the most litigious in aesthetic breast surgery. The key points of this technique are simple preoperative markings; the augmentation is performed with a true submuscular placement of smooth implants; and the mastopexy is performed with an inferior pedicle technique with unlimited skin flap undermining and no limitation of nipple elevation. Seventy-eight consecutive cases of augmentation mastopexy performed since 1999 by a single surgeon (V.S.) using the same technique were reviewed. The age range was 26-62 years old; the range of implant volume was 150-375 cc; and the follow-up time period was from 1 year to 22 years. After an extensive patient case review, the authors enforce true extended submuscular augmentation (TESMA) as a reliable augmentation technique that can be used as the first procedure in any grades 2 and 3 ptosis, 1-stage augmentation-mastopexies including bariatric cases. The authors believe that the split inferior pedicle for the mastopexy in combination with the TESMA is a breakthrough approach that eliminates the second stage for any augmentation mastopexy procedure. No major complications such as nipple necrosis, implant bottoming, malpositioning, or extrusions were observed. It is a safe, simple, and reproducible procedure.