Safety and Efficacy of a Central Pedicle Technique for Mastopexy and Mastopexy with Implant Augmentation.

[BACKGROUND] The central pedicle technique (CPT) is rarely used to perform mastopexy or mastopexy with implant augmentation despite having robust perfusion and allowing for great exposure, resulting in reproducible results. This study was conducted to review one surgeon's experience using the CPT for both mastopexy and mastopexy with implant augmentation.

[METHOD] A retrospective review of consecutive patients who had a mastopexy or mastopexy with augmentation using a standardized CPT from 2017 through 2021 was performed.

[RESULTS] A total of 201 patients were identified for inclusion: 120 had a bilateral central pedicle mastopexy, 75 had bilateral central pedicle mastopexy and implants, and 6 had unilateral central pedicle mastopexy with implants because of asymmetry. Mean follow-up was 11.2 months. The average age was 45.4 years, body mass index 25.1 kg/m², and implant size 275 cc. The overall complication rate was 9.5%: 9.2% for CPT mastopexy and 9.9% for CPT mastopexy with implants. No revisional surgery was requested. None of the patients experienced nipple or skin necrosis.

[CONCLUSIONS] This study demonstrates that CPT mastopexy with or without an implant can be performed safely with a low complication rate. Additional benefits include standardized markings before surgery, visualization of the entire breast mound, and reliable perfusion. The technique excels in correcting asymmetry. CPT mastopexy with or without an implant is a safe and effective option for the treatment of breast ptosis.

[CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE] Therapeutic, IV.