Grieco Michele P, Arteaga Carolina, Guzmán Jaime, D'Antonio Santolo, Tedeschi Pasquale
Plastic Surgery Unit, IRCCS-Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Basilicata, Rionero in Vulture, Italy.
Division of Plastic Surgery, AOU Federico II, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131 Napoli (Na), Italy.
Plast Reconstr Surg. 2025 Aug 19. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000012393.
Mastopexy with implants is a procedure designed to restore breast shape and volume, often diminished by aging, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations. This study evaluates the aesthetic effectiveness and safety of the Total Prosthetic Coverage in Mastopexy with Implants (TPC-MI) technique, applied in both retro-glandular and dual-plane implant placements. The objective is to ensure proper breast projection and long-term implant stability.
A prospective cohort study monitored 27 patients who underwent mastopexy with implants from 2021 to 2023, using either the Total Prosthetic Coverage in Mastopexy with Implants (TPC-MI) technique (63%) or a dual-plane approach (37%), both combined with dermo-glandular flap coverage.The patients, aged 21 to 63 years (mean 43), were evaluated for complications, aesthetic outcomes, and implant stability post-surgery. Round silicone implants with different gel cohesivity levels (low, moderate, or high) were selected based on patient-specific tissue characteristics. The aesthetic satisfaction was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS).
Postoperative complication rates were low, with a 6% incidence of seroma and 3% of partial areolar necrosis. Aesthetic satisfaction was high, with 80% of patients reporting being "completely satisfied," and 92.6% of patients rating their outcomes as "significantly improved" according to the GAIS. Additionally, the TPC-MI technique demonstrated improved implant stability, significantly reducing the risk of complications such as "bottoming out."
The TPC-MI technique is a safe and effective method for breast enhancement, offering high aesthetic satisfaction and low complication rates. The technique's ability to ensure stable implant placement and natural breast projection makes it a favorable option for patients. Further studies with larger samples and extended follow-ups are recommended to confirm these results and refine the technique.