title: Fascial suspension mastopexy combined with augmentation mammaplasty.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We have modified our technique of fascial suspension mastopexy to be used in combination with augmentation mammaplasty. This study aimed to assess the results of the combined procedure in our first consecutive 10 patients. The surgery aims to maximize long-term upper-pole fullness as well as optimal projection and shape in volume-depleted ptotic breasts.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective case notes review was carried out, with details of patient demographics, indications, operative detail, and postoperative assessment recorded. In addition, patients were directly questioned to gain their opinion of the procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nineteen breasts were operated on in ten patients. On preoperative assessment two women (20%) had grade 3 ptosis and the rest had grade 2 (83%). The majority of women had had children and had breast-fed (70%). The mean follow-up period was 33 months (range = 4-55) and overall patient satisfaction was high despite six of the 10 patients undergoing minor scar revisions for dog-ears under local anesthetic and two undergoing implant exchange to correct minor asymmetries. There were no major postoperative complications in this series. All patients demonstrated good projection and upper-pole fullness at postoperative review.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The combined technique of fascial suspension mastopexy and breast augmentation with implants is a safe and reliable method to correct ptosis in volume-depleted breasts. Patients should be counseled on the possible need for minor revisional procedures. Importantly, the technique achieves excellent upper-pole fullness and the projected and rejuvenated breast has an overall pleasing result.
authors.affiliation: The Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery, 253 Wattletree Road, Malvern, 3144, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Morris
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ritz
authors.forename: Sanjay
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mahendru
authors.forename: Oren
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Goldan
authors.forename: Rodrigo P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Teixeira
authors.forename: Marc D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Pacifico