Balancing Nipple and Inframammary Fold in Transaxillary Augmentation Mammaplasty with Anatomical Implant: The 'NIMF' Classification and Surgical Algorithm

BACKGROUND

This study aims to put forward a new classification of breast asymmetry based on the relative position of the nipple and inframammary fold (IMF) and propose a surgical algorithm of determining new IMF to address breast asymmetry in patients undergoing transaxillary augmentation mammaplasty, which is named as NIMF (nipple inframammary) classification and surgical algorithm.

METHODS

Three hundred and forty-five patients received transaxillary augmentation mammaplasty with anatomical implants. Preoperative breast asymmetry was classified into four types. I: asymmetrical nipple with asymmetrical IMF in the same direction; II: symmetrical nipple with asymmetrical IMF; III: asymmetrical nipple with symmetrical IMF; IV: asymmetrical nipple with unapparent IMF. Surgical plans (3 plans for type I, II, IV while 5 plans for type III) to set the new IMF were provided for each patient, who chose one of them as the final surgical plan. Breast-Q and Likert scale were used to evaluate patient satisfaction and symmetry of breast preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The incidence of type I, II, III, IV was 30%, 15%, 13%, and 4%, respectively. Ninety-seven percent of patients with breast asymmetry chose plan C, which aimed to balance the relative position of nipple and IMF. Postoperative Breast-Q scores showed a significant rise compared with preoperative scores, but no statistical difference between plan C V.S. other plans. Patients with symmetrical preoperative breasts (Group A) had significantly higher postoperative Breast-Q scores than patients with asymmetrical preoperative breasts (Group B). In breast symmetry assessment, Group A had a significantly higher postoperative score than Group B, but the postoperative score was significantly lowered compared with the preoperative score in both Group A and B.

CONCLUSION

The NIMF classification and surgical algorithm provide a systematic and scientific way to analyze and improve breast asymmetry, to achieve optimized patient satisfaction in transaxillary augmentation mammaplasty with anatomical implants.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

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Inframammary Flap Excision Method in Breast Augmentation: Improving Symmetry of NAC and IMF

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

When we perform a breast augmentation through the inframammary fold (IMF) approach, incision placement at the new IMF is a key element of the planning process. In the majority of the previously published methods, the new IMF was planned based on the nipple-areola complex (NAC) position. However, these methods can lead to asymmetry in the IMF if the NAC is not symmetrical.

Methods:

We present the IMF flap excision method for correction of asymmetries of NAC and IMF. The new IMF position was marked based on the ICE technique. We have redesigned the higher side IMF to the same height as the lower side. And then we removed the amount of the skin and soft tissue, which corresponded to the difference between the 2 IMF. We dissected the submuscular breast pocket higher than in the usual cases, making it easier to move the breast tissue downward.

Results:

This method was performed on 21 patients, with an average follow-up time of 6 months (range, 2–9 months). The average correction amount of asymmetry of the NAC ranged from 3 to 15 mm and was maintained throughout the follow-up period. NAC downward positioning and symmetry of IMF were observed. Almost all patients showed improvement or complete resolution of their nipple asymmetry.

Conclusion:

The IMF flap excision method corrected the asymmetries in the NAC and IMF without additional scars. This method should be strongly considered in patients undergoing a primary breast augmentation procedure with mild NAC asymmetry.