Intra-Capsular Versus Extra-Capsular Breast Mastopexy of Previously Augmented Breast

BACKGROUND: The augmented breast frequently becomes ptotic by time and most of the patients may seek mastopexy. Although the rate of breast lift surgeries after breast augmentation is increasing, there are few studies regarding the nature of these procedures. METHODS: Sixty patients with moderate grade ptosis and previously augmented breast by breast implants seeking breast mastopexy. Group A included 30 patients who underwent intra-capsular circum-areolar mastopexy and Group B including another 30 patients who underwent extra-capsular circum-areolar mastopexy. Follow up after complete healing was scheduled at 3, 6, and 12 months post-operative. Frontal and lateral views photography were taken each visit and objective evaluation was carried on by a plastic surgeon not involved in the surgeries. A questionnaire was performed by using the Likert scale to assess patients’ satisfaction. RESULTS: In group A; the overall rate of complications was 17%, while in group B; the overall rate of complications was 10%. Patients of group A showed overall satisfaction of 4.53±0.69 in comparison to 3.06±0.25 in group B. In group A; objective evaluation, was excellent in 87% while in group B it was excellent in 43%. CONCLUSION: Reshaping of breast pillars mastopexy augmentation is very important to prevent bottoming-out of the breasts.