Breast ptosis managed by mastopexy using the triple flaps procedure

Abstract

Breast ptosis is a highly unattractive appearance of the breast. In the mind, it is associated with aging, multiple pregnancies, lactation, and senile changes. Its correction by mastopexy presents one of the greatest challenges to the breast surgeon aiming at a pleasant full conical shape and stability of the results. The authors present their mastopexy procedure using a triple-flap method based on the principle of a superior pedicle flap mammaplasty. The technique, presented in detail, basically consists of a superior pedicle dermaglandular flap that carries the nipple-areola complex between outer and inner flaps. The outer flap is rotated inward and upward behind the main superior pedicle to give fullness to the breast and fixed to the chest wall. The inner flap is double-breasted on top or superficial to outer flap, and both are sutured to each other resembling a hammock or a cradle that carries the main superior pedicle middle flap. The results are presented and advantages discussed. This method, besides its simplicity, gives good projection with a pleasant and attractive conical shape to the breast and upper fullness, frequently negating the need for an implant. In addition, the results were stable in the long term, with no need for a mesh or any other foreign material.