Preservative Breast Augmentation: Preserving Muscle-glandular unions by areolar approach

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Aesthetic Surgery

Background:

• Breast augmentation is a common cosmetic procedure for aesthetic enhancement.
• A novel technique preserving glandular tissue and muscle-glandular junctions via a periareolar approach is presented.
• This method aims to provide stable submuscular implant coverage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a breast augmentation technique that preserves glandular tissue and muscle-glandular junctions.
• To assess the stability of submuscular pockets and implant coverage.
• To determine the impact on glandular atrophy and patient satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• Prospective data collection from February 2019 to August 2021.
• Inclusion of patients with mild to moderate breast atrophy undergoing the preservation technique.
• Collection of demographic, perioperative, and postoperative variables.

Main Results:

• Sixty-four patients were analyzed, with a mean age of 26 years.
• Implant sizes ranged from 275 to 375 cc.
• One-year follow-up showed high patient satisfaction (BREAST-Q) and minimal complications (1 asymmetry, 1 hematoma), with no infections or wound dehiscence. Normal sensation and BAKER score of one were reported.

Conclusions:

• Preserving the glandular muscle unit maintains breast gland integrity and creates stable sub-muscular pockets.
• The technique offers enhanced muscle-glandular coverage, significantly reducing glandular atrophy.
• The method is highly reproducible, has a short learning curve, and yields satisfactory aesthetic results.