Mammoplasty/mastopexy using implants: the Lockpocket technique

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Mammoplasty is the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedure in Brazil, which is second only to the United States in terms of the number of mammoplasties performed. Several techniques based on increasing volume using breast implants are used to correct breast ptosis. We aimed to describe a technical variation of implant mammoplasty: isolation of the implant in a closed pocket of fascioglandular tissue (Lockpocket). METHODS: This prospective study was carried out between June 2013 and June 2016. Forty-three patients underwent (1) augmentation mammoplasty using a silicone implant that was isolated from the external environment by a closed pocket of fascioglandular tissue, and (2) resection of excess dermoglandular tissue to correct mammary ptosis. Were subsequently analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Of the 43 patients, the majority (22 patients) presented grade II ptosis according to the Regnault classification. The volume of glandular tissue removed was similar to the volume of the prosthesis introduced. A total of seven complications were observed: partial dehiscence (n = 4), discrete asymmetry (n = 2), and residual ptosis (n = 1). CONCLUSION: Augmentation mammoplasty with correction of mammary ptosis (the Lockpocket technique) is a good option because it allows the surgeon to choose in advance the volume of the implant to be used. The method also isolates the implant in a totally closed plane of fascioglandular tissue, and involves the precise removal of breast tissue.

Keywords

• mammoplasty
• breast implant
• breast