[Minimal Scar Breast Augmentation: Experience with over 500 implants].

[INTRODUCTION] In plastic breast surgery minimal scar techniques are usually associated with some advantages in terms of the aesthetics associated with scar formation and scar visibility. They can also bring benefits in terms of healing and recovery time, which is why minimal scar techniques for breast reduction and mastopexy have long been established. Modern implants and new, adapted surgical techniques enable it now to use minimal scar techniques for breast augmentation with similar advantages.

[METHOD] 252 patients were included in a retrospective study, which underwent a minimal scar breast augmentation via an inframammary approach over a period of two years. The investigations included the location, the size, the shape and any postoperative complications. In addition, all patients were interviewed about their experiences before and one year after the operation using the Breast-Q Questionnaire (Augmentation Module). The focus was on self-esteem (pre- and postoperative) and satisfaction with the outcome of breast augmentation involving the scar.

[RESULTS] The assessment of the surgical outcome and the scar were consistently positive. There were no complications with regard to surgical access, the scar or the implant. All patients showed a significant increase in quality of life on the Breast-Q scale from 0-100 (psychological well-being: 44 to 77) and were satisfied with the outcome of breast enlargement (satisfaction with the breasts: 28 to 80; satisfaction with the result: 89 out of 100) involving the scar.

[CONCLUSION] Minimal scar breast augmentation requires greater technical effort and operative experience. However, the results are consistently positive and promising, both clinically and psychologically.