Introduction

Mastopexy is a plastic surgery technique that consists of removing excess skin in ptotic breasts together with remodeling and lifting of breast parenchyma. It achieves several goals: breast and nipple areola complex elevation, conversion of breast shape from ptotic to a conical, volume increase/enhancement, good long-term results, and fewer complications. In the last decade, simultaneous augmentation mastopexy has been widely used. The standard procedure consists of an implant-based breast augmentation to restore or increase breast volume simultaneously with mastopexy. However, it continues to be debated because of the high rate of complications, such as unsatisfactory results, increased risk of implant infection with either exposure or malposition, increased risk of nipple or flap necrosis with potentially worse scars and decreased nipple sensation, capsular contracture, and palpable and visible implant [1, 2]. These complications are directly related to the size of the implant, which is used to better correct breast imprint and position on the chest wall.

Overcorrection of breast imprint may result in an aesthetically unpleasant shape of the breast together with stretching of the breast, atrophy of the gland, palpability, and visibility of the implant (rippling) [3, 4].

On the other side, autologous fat transplantation for breast augmentation has become an increasingly interesting surgical procedure but the technique is not yet standardized. Fat tissue transfer allows a natural breast shape to be obtained with good results and lower reoperation rate, often common in these patients [5, 6]. Fat necrosis remains another feared major complication but fortunately its incidence is decreasing more and more and outcomes are widely depending on the surgeon’s expertise [7, 8].

In the literature, several papers present a simultaneous breast augmentation based on implantation with mastopexy, while others describe a combined mastopexy and lipofilling. However, as far as we know, no retrospective or prospective studies on a hybrid approach between these methods have yet been described [9]. Precisely, starting from this scientific assumption, our retrospective study aims at describing our surgical technique “hybrid augmentation mastopexy,” which combines an implant-based mastopexy and lifting with autologous fat transplantation, designed to achieve a natural result by analyzing its impact on the aesthetic result and patient satisfaction.

Patients and methods

This is a retrospective study on 18 consecutive female patients with a mean age of 33 years (range, 24 to 52 years) and mean body mass index (BMI) of 25.8 kg/m2 (range, 21.4 to 32.1 kg/m2) undergoing hybrid augmentation mastopexy. Inclusion criteria: informed patients undergoing this surgical approach. Patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 24 months. Clinical outcomes, ultrasound assessment of upper pole fullness, and postoperative results and complications were reviewed. The authors assessed aesthetic results using the physician-rated Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and patient satisfaction using a verbal questionnaire. The degree of breast ptosis was between 2 and 3 points, according to “Regnault Classification” [10, 11]. Our results have been evaluated and compared, respectively, with retrospective studies and meta-analyses found by searching on PubMed, Medline, Embase and Google Scholar, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library.

Surgical technique

The markings for a circumvertical approach are executed locating the top of the periareolar region and deciding on the horizontal and vertical dimensions; the vertical component is added to the marking template. This is an important and relatively fixed landmark. The dimensions of the vertical sampling are entirely subject to intra-operative adjustment; and therefore, these initial vertical markings can be considered as preliminary.

The patient is placed supine on the operating table, under general anesthesia, with arms abducted on arm boards. After adequate preparation of the patient, the breast pocket is created by incorporating the 14-point plane through a central incision in the model [12]. A reusable implant sizer is inserted to assess the size of the pocket. This also provides the opportunity to assess and adjust (if necessary) the patient’s pre-planned markings by custom skin fixation with the patient sitting upright.

We start locating the upper part of the areola at the distance of 18 to 20 cm from the midclavicular point. Then, we describe an ellipse shape that reduces the skin circle to a 42-mm diameter. Again, a manual pinch of the skin at the lower pole can provide a visual clue as to how much skin would be approximately removed to narrow the base diameter of the breast appropriately, and to take up the excess skin in the lower pole. Although this vertical sampling may be positioned slightly medially or laterally in some patients, it is generally ideal to base it directly in the meridian line of the breast. This will ensure that a roughly equal amount of breast skin will be removed both medially and laterally to enhance the creation of a symmetrical breast profile. In smaller breasts, the vertical takeout extends directly down to the infra-mammary fold (IMF) but not beyond. It is actually advantageous to end the vertical resection just above the proposed IMF (between 2 and 3 cm) as there is a general tendency of the lower breast pole to slide down onto the chest wall due to the weight of the prothesis. So, the exact dimensions of the model are fixed during surgery (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1
figure 1

Markings in hybrid mastopexy

Full size image

Combined general anesthesia is chosen for all patients. Surgery usually starts infiltrating adrenaline (1:500,000) into the donor sites for fat harvesting, in the skin, and the lower quadrants to dissect them.

The main areas of the donor site (flank, abdomen, thigh, and knee) are infiltrated with Klein modified solution (Ringer’s lactate, lidocaine 2%, adrenaline 1% − 1:100,000). The tumescent technique, introduced by Klein, presents a large infiltrate volume with a ratio of infiltrate volume to total aspirated volume of 2–3:1.

Multi-punched 2–3-mm diameter cannulas, both 170-mm long with a rounded tip, help reduce pressure on each hole, decreasing damage in the samples collected. The 2-mm cannula has 5 round ports arranged in a spiral, each 1-mm diameter, and the 3-mm cannula has a single 3 × 9 mm port sideways positioned. The 2-mm cannula concurrently facilitates harvesting from more superficial and vascularized layers of adipose tissue, and reduces patient discomfort and trauma.

The collected fat solution is prepared for injection and it is left for decantation during the mastopexy. The areola is marked with a breast cookie-cutter of 42-mm diameter.

Strategically, we start with a vertical incision right in the lower quadrant of the marked model to first place the implant sizer and then re-tailor the skin envelope around the new breast volume.

This approach will prevent excessive reduction of the skin envelope from hindering the easy placement of an appropriately sized implant. The procedure begins by making an incision in the center of the previously marked vertical resection area and the underside of the breast is exposed. It is important to stay above Scarpa’s fascia as it inserts into the base of the breast as the pocket is developed to avoid opening up the loose subscarpal space below the fold. In this way, the anatomical integrity of the fold will be maintained and the likelihood of inadvertently lowering the fold will be reduced. From this point of access, a subglandular or a subpectoral pocket can be easily obtained; 90% of cases treated by the senior author are subglandular and subfascial pockets.

To determine the implant size, the width of the breast is measured, and one-half of the medial breast pinch thickness was subtracted from the width of the base to yield the optimal implant base.

Once the implant size is established, the variation of the implant projection options determined the final volume, which is discussed previously between the patient and the surgeon according to the patient’s recommendations and wishes; ultimately, the amount of transplanted fat is decided following upper pole pinch thickness (range 75–144 cc per breast).

In order to apply the model, a good reproducible sequence consists of stapling the areola into the defect and then plicating the lower pole as necessary to create an attractive and rounded lower pole contour. Once the final breast volume and shape have been determined, the vertical plication line is marked with a surgical pen (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2
figure 2

Tailor taking approach of mastopexy with sizer and skin deepithelization

Full size image

The implant is inserted and properly positioned; the breast parenchyma is accosted along the vertical incision by closing the medial and lateral parenchymal pillars with both deep and superficial sutures, using resorbable stitches. The average implant size is 285 cc (range 255–360 cc). The implant used were round gel-filled macro- and microtextured Polythec (®Germany) implants. Fifteen patients received high-profile implants, while remining patients moderate-profile ones. The vertical skin incision is closed by layers, again with a layer of interrupted and running absorbable 3–0 sutures.

At the end of the augmentation mastopexy procedure, we use fat grafting as described below.

We use fat mainly in the upper quadrants because of poor results in a long-term follow-up of augmentation mastopexy.

The markings for the autogenous fat grafting area are made temporarily in the cleavage limits, which represent the future transition between the implant and non-implant zones in order to achieve a homogeneous transition.

A small stab incision (18-Gauge needle) is performed in the upper lateral part of the upper quadrant bilaterally, along the anterior axillary line and on the medial part of the inframammary fold. Through these incisions, we graft the fat previously harvested. The mean injected fat volume was 115 cc (range, 75–144 cc) per breast (Figs. 3 and 4). After dressing placement, the patient will have to wear a supportive compression bra for 6 weeks.

Fig. 3
figure 3

Schematic view of marked patient and upper pole fat grafting

Full size image
Fig. 4
figure 4

Schematic view of fat distribution on the upper quadrant: SubClav UQ R, subclavicular upper quadrant right; SubClav UQ L, subclavicular upper quadrant left; UMQUAD R, upper medial quadrant right; UMQUAD L, upper medial quadrant left; Periareolar UQR, periareolar upper quadrant right; Periareolar UQL, periareolar upper quadrant left

Full size image

Subglandular/subfascial vs submuscular placement

Which of the two types of prosthetic implant site (subfascial or submuscular placement) is more adequate remains a theme of discussion among surgeons, concerning the appropriate coverage for the implant, rippling, contracture, animation, and aesthetic outcomes.

Whereas there is no definite agreement about the definitive pocket, surgeons advocate satisfactory results according to each own’s practice. Generally, submuscular pocket allows a lower grade of contracture and a better implant concealing, but runs higher risk of animation, cephalic, and/or lateral displacement and waterfall effect in the long term [13].

On the other hand, subglandular/subfascial pocket has higher risk of contracture, double capsule, and visible rippling but provides almost a painless surgery, and a natural and stable look with the implant well coupled with the gland in the long run [14].

About our experience with the employment of both types of procedure, we mitigate the side effect through perioperative measures and details. The submuscular pocket requires a complete release of muscle in the lower quadrants, including lower sternal fibers, with or without perpendicular split, creating rather a dual-plane surgery; lateral wall support is also mandatory.

Subglandular positioning requires a tight pocket, a low-textured implant, and good external support (casting) to avoid implant floating to prevent double capsule formation.

Finally, patient selection is a key point to determine the best plane according to skin quality, muscle hypertrophy, and tissues’ thickness to provide implant coverage, support, and reduce the risk of rippling.

In our patients, in both cases, lipofilling has provided a controllable extra layer to minimize these overmentioned risks.

Ultrasound evaluation

The ultrasound evaluation of upper pole fullness and the fat retention rate were examined preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. For practical/schematic reasons, the authors divided the upper quadrants into three different areas where subcutaneous fat tissue was detected: subclavicular, medial, and inferior (periareolar) upper quadrants bilaterally (Fig. 5).

Fig. 5
figure 5

Ultrasound evaluation of upper pole fullness and the fat retention rate pre-operatively (upper part of the figure) and 6 months postoperatively (lower part of the figure)

Full size image

Results

No major complications such as fat necrosis, skin or nipple-areola complex necrosis, capsular contracture, decreased nipple sensation, implant extrusion, re-operation rate for asymmetry o unsatisfactory results, and scar revisions were encountered during a mean follow-up time of 9.4 months (range, 6 to 24 months). Our findings show optimal aesthetic outcomes and an elevated patient satisfaction in terms of breast shape, size, and coverage of the breast implant. Patient satisfaction was evaluated from the chart at the most recent follow-up and similar results were found considering the aesthetic outcomes of the upper quadrant using the physician-assessed Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS – from 1 to 5). A total of 90% of patients scored degree 1 (excellent corrective result) and 10% degree 2 (marked improvement of the appearance, but not completely optimal) GAIS score.

Ptosis was corrected and volume desired was achieved in all patients. No recurrence of ptosis—at least 2 years follow-up—has been observed yet and no secondary correcting surgery has been performed. Two patients had minor complications such as delayed wound healing in the lower quadrants and at the junction of areola and vertical scar, which required no surgical revision. Another patient developed a hypertrophic scar which was successfully treated with silicon taping and gel dressing.

Both ultrasound assessment and aesthetic physician panel score showed that, in the three different parts of the upper quadrant, a higher fat retention rate was found in the subclavicular area, if compared to the medial and periareolar parts of the upper quadrant.

The mean measure of subcutaneous thickness in this area was 10.8 mm (pre-operatively mean value: 6.59 mm) with an increase of 39% of subcutaneous tissue in the subclavicular area and an average of fat retention rate after injection between 60 and 70%.

Patient satisfaction was evaluated during ultrasound follow-up by the two senior surgeons (plastic and breast surgeons), using an acquired verbal and informal questionnaire to grade the patient’s level of satisfaction with the aesthetic results. Postoperative photographs were obtained at follow-up appointments and compared with the pre-operative images.

Representative cases are presented in Figs. 6, 7, and 8.

Fig. 6
figure 6

a, b A 35-year old woman with a grade III of ptosis, treated with hybrid mastopexy: 335 cc round implant and 95 cc fat bilaterally. c, d Postoperative results at 24 months follow-up

Full size image
Fig. 7
figure 7

a, b, c, d A 29 year-old woman with a grade II of ptosis, treated with subfascial vertical mastopexy: 360 cc round implant and 75 cc fat bilaterally. e, f, g Postoperative views at 12 months follow-up

Full size image
Fig. 8
figure 8

a, b A 48 year-old patient with a grade III of ptosis and Baker IV capsular contracture. Anchor-type mastopexy with 105 cc fat bilaterally. c, d Postoperative views at 18 months follow-up

Full size image

Discussion

Augmentation mastopexy is an aesthetic breast surgery procedure that seeks to create youthful, beautiful-appearing breasts wherein age, hormonal changes, or weight loss had led to alterations that require intervention on the skin envelope and breast parenchyma [11].

As reported in most current studies, complications of mastopexy with risk of recurrent ptosis are implant-related. This is due to the incision, the implant placement pocket, and implant size and weight [15]. Moreover, the single-stage augmentation mastopexy is increasingly associated with demands for larger implants to improve projection and fullness of the upper pole.

The novelty of our procedure consists of a hybrid augmentation mastopexy, combining the implant-based breast augmentation and lifting with autologous fat grafting. In fact, the employment of an implant provides the desired projection and fullness of the upper pole, while autologous soft tissue allows obtaining a natural breast shape with reduced implant-related problems [5, 11].

In general, in relation to the implant-based augmentation mastopexy, major complications include a high rate of re-intervention for asymmetry, waterfall deformity or unsatisfactory results (15–23% of cases), skin or nipple-areola complex necrosis, capsular contracture, rippling, decreased nipple sensation, implant extrusion, and scar revisions [6]. Fat necrosis is a frequent complication as a concern of fat transplantation [16,17,18].

Our patients were followed up at 1, 6, 9, and 24 months, during which these clinical outcomes, ultrasound evaluation of upper pole fullness, and postoperative results and complications were examined. Performing our hybrid surgical techniques, we have not noticed any major complications, while we experienced few minor complications such as delayed wound healing. We recorded a high degree of satisfaction in terms of desired fullness and long-term shape.

In literature, several surgical techniques are described improving the classical isolated mastopexy, with an overall complication rate of 13–36%. On the contrary, the main purpose of our work is to point out that, as far as we know, our hybrid approach to mastopexy, moreover without major complications, is not mentioned in any work [19,20,21].

In this difficult type of surgery, a main advantage of adipose tissue consists of allowing us to reduce the implant size. Moreover, a smaller implant size strongly prevents the occurrence of ptosis and the other implant-related complications, such as capsular contracture, rippling, implant palpability and visibility, animation muscle deformity, and waterfall deformity (related to sub-muscular implant position) [22,23,24,25]. As proof of this, in our single-center experience, no recurrence of ptosis has yet been observed and no secondary correcting surgery has been performed. In literature, this ranges from 36% at 10 years [6, 26].

In recent studies, in fact, fat transplantation has been used as an additional treatment to currently used therapies to treat capsular contracture, with satisfactory cosmetic results and excellent pain management. This could probably also be due to the contrasting anti-inflammatory role of the adipose tissue [27, 28]. The implant is placed in the deepest part of the breast and represents the supporting core, around which the adipose tissue is used to sculpt the shape of the breast.

In our experience, we have performed 90% of cases with subfascial implant position that allows applying this hybrid breast surgery to thin patients as well.

This technique can also be applied to women of different ages and/or degrees of ptosis; the ptosis is corrected; the volume is enlarged/expanded. We did not use any software analysis to plan the amount of fat injection because we refer to upper pole pinch test to establish the amount of fat grafting and then we analyzed the amount of fat taken during ultrasound follow-up to confirm our results [29].

Finally, these excellent results, compared with those in literature, have encouraged us to divulge our innovative hybrid approach and to continue performing the technique in women of various ages and/or degrees of ptosis who desire both shape and volume correction. We emphasize that achieving optimal results requires more than just an adequate technique: great aesthetic results depend on the expertise of the surgeon.

Conclusions

Hybrid mastopexy augmentation is an effective and safe procedure that combines the advantages of autologous fat transplantation and implant-based breast augmentation. The implant provides the desired projection and fullness of the upper pole, while the transfer of soft tissue allows a natural breast shape with moderate scarring, without complications and secondary corrective surgery. Patient’s satisfaction is high. This reliable option improves long-term breast shape and it avoids recurrence of ptosis. Finally, these excellent results encourage us to continue performing the technique in women of varying ages and/or degrees of ptosis who desire both shape and volume correction. However, we advise female population to consult professional help only because great results depend on the expertise of the surgeon. Finally, this is a retrospective study so other prospective works are needed for a better evaluation of our hybrid surgical procedure.