Revision Mastopexy in Aesthetic Breast Surgery

Abstract

The increasing demand for both reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery has brought renewed attention to the complexities of revision procedures, particularly revision mastopexy. Despite its growing relevance, the literature on this topic remains limited and inconsistently defined. The term "mastopexy" refers to surgical procedures aimed at correcting breast ptosis by repositioning the nipple-areola complex and adjusting breast volume. However, the addition of the term "secondary" introduces ambiguity, encompassing any mastopexy performed after a previous breast surgery-reconstructive or aesthetic. A more precise term, "revision mastopexy," refers specifically to mastopexies following a prior mastopexy, situating the discussion firmly within the aesthetic domain. This review aims to clarify definitions, highlight the challenges unique to revision cases, and address the inconsistencies in terminology and classification that hinder comparative analysis. It also considers the natural aging process of breast tissue, a frequently neglected but critical factor in revision planning. By proposing a clear framework and encouraging the systematic reporting of clinical cases, this work aspires to fill a significant gap in the literature and promote a more cohesive understanding of revision mastopexy. Ultimately, this review seeks to support surgeons in achieving more predictable and refined outcomes in this increasingly common subset of aesthetic breast surgery.Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Keywords: Aesthetic breast surgery; Augmentation mastopexy; Breast aging; Revision breast surgery; Secondary mastopexy.