Description

What is a Periareolar Augmentation Mastopexy? Before and After Photos in Raleigh, NC

Concern: This 23-year-old woman came in for a breast augmentation but was found to have some breast drooping called ptosis which would have not gotten better with breast augmentation alone. Sometimes, lowering the fold and placing a large implant can avoid the need for a lift but will often result in large low-set breasts that we will continue to sag.

A periareolar lift, also known as a donut mastopexy, is useful to reduce areolar size and has a small lifting effect. It involves removing a circular area of excess areolar skin on the outside and resulting in a incision that is at the junction of the darker areolar skin and the lighter surrounding breast skin. It is not really suitable for patients requiring significant elevation of the nipple position. It has minimal effect on changing the shape of the breast but it is helpful for those with minor degrees of drooping who have enlarged areolae. The technique involves a special internal suture that we will hold the new shape of the areola over time. This technique is much more challenging than standard breast lift techniques. Long-term scar care including silicone tapes are necessary to have the best scar. Most patients who have this technique are very specific that they do not want the vertical scar. In many cases the vertical scar is recommended because it allows a more predictable reduction of the areola and elevation of the nipple areolar complex and also provides a more coning effect of the breasts.

Surgery: This patient had bilateral placement of Allergan SSF 345 cc gel prosthesis under the muscle with periareolar mastopexy. She was very happy with the improvement. She did not want the vertical scar and her scar appearance is acceptable.