[Repair of mammary ptosis by insertion of an internal absorbable support and periareolar scar].

Since 1989, we have operated 38 patients with breast ptosis with or without hypertrophy according to a technique which leaves a periareolar scar. The principles of this technique are: periareolar skin resection, dissection between the skin and gland over the entire surface of the gland, mastopexy, insertion of an absorbable mesh onto the anterior surface of the gland which constitutes an internal support, closure by the isolated periareolar scar. In our hands, this technique cannot be used to treat all forms of breast ptosis, but gives excellent results in certain selected indications such as tuberous breasts, breast asymmetry with one normal breast, ptosis and moderate hypertrophy. The reliability of the technique despite extensive dissection is remarkable and the stability with a follow-up of 3 years is good when the indication has been correctly defined. In comparison with other periareolar techniques, our approach has the advantage of not leaving any nonabsorbable elements in the wound, the only guarantee of reliability of clinical and radiological surveillance of the breast.