The Double Intradermal Continuous Suture Technique for the Round Block in Periareolar Mastopexy

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Surgical Techniques
• Breast Aesthetics

Background:

• Periareolar mastopexy complications often involve the areola, including scar enlargement and deformity.
• Existing suture techniques, like polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-tex), face challenges such as extrusion and removal.
• A need exists for improved suture methods to enhance aesthetic outcomes and patient safety in breast reduction and mastopexy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Double Intradermal Continuous (DIC) suture technique in periareolar mastopexy and related breast surgeries.
• To compare the DIC technique with existing methods, particularly the Benelli technique, regarding areolar shape and complication rates.
• To highlight the long-term benefits of the DIC suture technique in achieving desirable aesthetic results and minimizing adverse events.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 520 patients undergoing breast reduction or mastopexy over 35 years using the DIC suture technique.
• The DIC technique involves two concentric, intradermal nylon sutures placed at opposite points over the areola, tightened to approximately 3 cm.
• The procedure includes undermining the areola to narrow the subareolar ostium and prevent protrusion, differing from the Benelli technique's single-vector approach.

Main Results:

• The DIC suture technique consistently produced round areolas, unlike the Benelli technique which may result in elliptical shapes.
• Complication rates related to the areola, such as widening and protrusion, were significantly reduced.
• Nylon sutures demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, with extremely rare instances of extrusion, contributing to the technique's reliability.

Conclusions:

• The DIC suture technique is a valuable and reliable method for periareolar mastopexy, breast reduction, and tuberous breast corrections.
• Its ability to create round areolas and minimize complications offers significant advantages over traditional methods.
• The long-term use and low complication profile of the DIC technique underscore its effectiveness in aesthetic breast surgery.