Aesthetic Breast Surgery: What Do the Measurements Reveal? A Practical Visual Application of the Results

• Published in: Aesthetic surgery journal 2023-10, Vol.43 (11), p.866-877
• Main Authors: Bolletta, Elisa, McGoldrick, Ciara, Hall-Findlay, Elizabeth J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1090-820X; 1527-330X
• DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjad243

Abstract Background The results of preoperative and 1-year postoperative measurements in aesthetic breast surgery were outlined in chart form in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal in 2020. Measurements were performed preoperatively and postoperatively, but the authors concentrated on 1-year follow-up because it was generally accepted as the minimum time to define a stable surgical result. Extensive statistical analysis was outlined in the previous paper. Objectives This paper translates those results into a visual form so that the surgeon can see the changes that occur in breast reduction, breast augmentation, mastopexy, mastopexy-augmentation, and implant removal with mastopexy. Methods There were 548 patients in the breast augmentation group, 388 patients in the breast reduction group, 244 patients for mastopexy-augmentation, and 90 patients for mastopexy. Only primary surgeries that had a full year follow-up comparing preoperative and postoperative measurements were reviewed. Measurements were performed by E.H.F. preoperatively and at each postoperative visit. The measurements that were included in this study were clavicle to upper breast border, upper breast border to nipple, suprasternal notch to nipple, suprasternal notch to inframammary fold, and midline to nipple. Results The preoperative and postoperative measurement changes in aesthetic breast surgery were consistent, with minimal variation for each of the aesthetic breast surgery procedures. Conclusions The visual interpretation of these results allows the surgeon to accurately plan preoperatively to achieve good, predictable results.